All of the presents have been unwrapped and the boxes are waiting by the curb side. The room is no longer illuminated by the glow of Christmas tree lights. Our Elf on the Shelf has made his way back to the North Pole. The hustle and bustle of the season has come to an end. The sugar-induced comas from all the sweet treats are finally wearing off. Grocery stores have begun filling their shelves with Valentine’s Day goodies.
While we are quietly decompressing from the rush of the Christmas season, we are also looking ahead. The New Year is upon us. People are beginning to discuss their plans and resolutions. It’s that pesky word: RESOLUTION. Look, I get it. The New Year allows us the feeling of starting fresh, possibly making changes in our lives that will make for a more positive year.
So don’t misunderstand, I am not against resolutions. Quite the contrary in fact; I have made several of my own over the years. One of the most popular has been to lose weight and become healthy. While I am already working on this goal, I could make it my resolution and set a number to it, so to speak. But no, I am not going to do that. I will continue working on my goal of becoming healthy, but I don’t feel I need to make it my resolution.
In fact, this year my resolution is quite unique compared to years prior. My resolution for 2016 is…moments. Yes, you read that correctly: MOMENTS. While watching the ads for the televised New Year’s Eve party in New York City, it occurred to me how quickly the years have flown by since having our daughter.
Those baby days we such a blur and slid by far too quickly. In the midst of this, I also realized in less than one year’s time my constant little side kick will no longer be with me 24/7. All too soon she will be starting preschool, and while I know it will only be two half days a week, the thought is terrifying. In less than six months’ time we will be celebrating her 3rd birthday. While these toddler years are not always easy, they are going all too quickly.
So, my resolution isn’t to have a better year than the previous one. My resolution is to see the new year with a fresh pair of eyes. I want to soak in all those precious moments with a renewed sense of appreciation.
I want more snuggles, hugs, and kisses. I want to listen with a renewed sense of patience as I hear the sound of her sweet voice.
When I think of all those sweet moments we have on a daily basis, it makes me want to hold on a little tighter. I love that she holds her little arms up every morning and says, “Carry You Mama.” In other words, meaning, carry me around the house. I love holding her as she pats my shoulder and says, “I love you Mama.”
So this New Year’s, as you’re making your resolutions, consider adding to the list, “Moments, with a fresh pair of eyes.” Spend 2016 hugging a little tighter, snuggling a little more, and listening with love and patience.
Happy New Year!