Happy New Year! 2015 is here, and with that comes our goals and resolutions for the New Year. Over the past few weeks, we have spent a lot of time together as a family. A lot. We made a lot of good memories – but if I was honest, there were tears, harsh words, and moments that were anything but picture perfect. Our home was filled with sickness from November 1 – through the time of me writing this post. Things just didn’t go as planned. If I were honest, they hardly ever do. Even the goals and resolutions I set out for myself – sometimes, don’t go as planned. However, I had a lot of time to think over the last few weeks, and while I was doing that, I thought of some goals for motherhood. Don’t hang up on me yet. They probably aren’t what you think.
This year, I give up perfection. I am a type A perfectionist. OCD. Yes, I can be THAT MOM. The one you talk about. Who has to have her make up on. The perfect cookies on the platter the perfect way. But what you don’t know about this “picture perfect mom” is that she is often one cookie short of losing her dozen! She is frazzled from her perfection – and she longs for her sweat pants. It either drives her kids crazy – or to a crazy level of perfection themselves. This is me. This year, in 2015, my goal is to give it up. This doesn’t mean I might not have a pretty cookie plate, or wear make up from time to time. No, this means I am giving up doing it for YOU! You see, I don’t have the perfect cookie plate- or my make up face- because it makes me happy, my kids happy, or even my husband. No, I have the picture perfect look because I am afraid you will judge me. So, this year, I give up perfection – because the cost is far beyond perfection.
This year, I give vow to be present. In more then just body. In my emotions. Without a screen in front of my face. I will be present in my relationship with God – not just doing acts of service because I want to look holy, but because I love him. I will be present with my husband. I will cuddle more, be intimate more, and let him know I love him more. Life is too short not to. I will be present in the life of my kids. I will laugh, and run and giggle. I will jump on trampolines and bake cookies- and not care about the mess. I will chase them, and cheer them, and cry with them and for them. I will be present in the lives of those I love. Not just in word- but in deed. When I keep these relationship priorities – and am present- I will be the mom I desire to be.
This year, I will be honest with where I am. If I am not doing okay – I will be honest. If I need a break – I will take it, and not be shamed that you don’t ever take a break. If I want to go to the grocery store alone – I will. I am over the mommy hate that says I have to be with my kids every second. I want to be present in their moments- and in order to do that, I must keep my sanity. That might mean a walk around the block, a walk around the store, or just a bubble bath with a book. However, I will be honest when I am not okay. I will take time in the Word of God. I will take time in prayer. I will keep myself spiritually, physically, and emotionally healthy – because it is what will make me a better mom.
These goals may seem off. There is no how-to list. No printable. No 5 steps. Just my honest heart. My prayer is that you will think of some honest goals that will make you a better mom this year. When you sit down and really think, you will probably agree with me -that it is more about our attitude then what we actually do.
Join me. Give up perfection. Be present. Be honest. Be the REAL mom your kids need. They are watching us- and they will pick up our attitudes and habits.
Worshiping With My Life,
Mandy
