Resolutions

I love making resolutions, even though I often fail at them, because they make me stop and reflect on what I want to improve in myself.  I know I will not follow through with every resolution all the time, but I hope that in making it, I am giving myself a shot to try to be who I want to be.

So, with that said, here are a few of my 2014 resolutions.

1. Live in the moment.

In 2012, my mother became sick and had to have two brain surgeries; in 2013, my dad had a heart attack and was in the hospital for 27 days. Although both are doing remarkably well now, their recent health scares have reminded me that we need to cherish the here and now. I have a wonderful life, filled with people whom I love dearly. I need to remember this is what matters when I am rushing home from work, thinking about all I have to do to get ready for the next day, and stressing about how it is all going to get done (dinner on the table, daycare stuff washed and re-filled, answer any unfinished work emails, etc.). I can get bogged down in all the stuff I have to do, and I tend to forget all the blessings I am surrounded by.

2. Have more date nights with my husband.

I need to make having time alone with just Andy more of a priority. We had a date night over the holidays—we went to see a movie. We sat in a dark theatre, held hands, talked, shared a soda. It was luxurious. It reminded me why I fell in love with him in the first place—we were just us, and it was easy, and, more important, it was fun.

3. Spend more time away from my phone.

I love this photo of Alex and me. But, then I look a little closer and I see my phone in my hand. It ruins the feeling of this—this moment of being there, laughing with my son. I want to try and be on my phone a little less this year, and be present a little more (goes to back to resolution #1). 

4. Visit places that make me happy.

When I was visiting my family one weekend, my sister took me to Dumbarton Gardens in Georgetown. It was the perfect place—the gardens were immaculate, the home was beautiful. I left there feeling refreshed, renewed.  I get this same feeling strolling through my alma mater (Wellesley College), through Shelburne Farms (where Andy and I got married), or when visiting a fabulous museum (like Hillwood Museum and Gardens). Wherever the place may be, I want to try and visit those places that make me genuinely happy just being there—it is like free therapy for me.

Dumbarton Gardens. 

5. Laugh more.

The other night after dinner, Andy, Alex and I had an impromptu dance party. We cranked up some music (Lana Del Rey and Flo Rider—don’t judge) and danced. We spun, we kicked, we fell on the floor laughing. It was magical. I want more moments like that in 2014—more moments that make me feel alive, make me feel full of laughter and love.

As with any year that passes, 2013 was filled with wonderful and trying moments. I know that I can beat anything 2014 has in store if I just have my family by my side.

From my family to yours, have a happy, healthy, joyous new year!