Resolving

I am aware that New Years resolutions are basically for suckers, but I’m a Type A person, so the idea of coming up with a list of anything gets me all giddy. With that in mind, here is the mantra of 2012:

Please see the video below for explanation:

And yes, while “fine leather goods” and “mimosas” sound amazing, I’m talking about treating myself better in every way possible. Some examples:

1. I will treat my body better – I started off 2011 with a body that had just done a pretty fantastic thing (created and housed and birthed a baby), and I feel like I spent the rest of the year in recovery from that. I have taken some major steps in treating my body as it needs to be treated, but there are a few things I’m severely lacking. My number one concern is I must make sleep a priority. I tend to have such crazy days, that begin at 6 a.m. and end around 8:30 p.m., with me constantly taking care of others. Unfortunately, that means after the kids are tucked in to bed, I stay up way too late trying to “wind down” or do things that are important to me personally. This lack of sleep is affecting every aspect of my life, and I need to get it under control. This may mean pictures won’t be edited for weeks or the DVR will be 100% full or my inbox will be overflowing…but that’s going to have to be okay.

2. I will treat my heart and soul better – Pre-2011 was a roller coaster for me emotionally and intellectually. My dad had cancer and lived with me, I got pregnant with Tate, and I went through some major issues that are too personal to be discussed here. Much of 2011 was spent just trying to survive and keep my head above water, getting used to my doubled parenting role and become a working mom of two, so I really want 2012 to be about personal growth. My main focus is going to be my relationships with others and how I let them dictate how I feel about myself. For too long I have let people who don’t have my best interests at heart be a part of my life. I have always been “Mama Megan,” trying to help people in my life and pulling in those who seemed wounded and needed a shoulder to lean on. I don’t want to completely lose that, as it’s a part of me that I actually am quite proud of, but I need to learn that it’s okay to say “enough.” I started this last year, and it was a game changer for me. I need to appreciate those in my life that bring goodness and welcome more people like them, and that is what I intend to do.

3. I will treat my brain better – Although 2011 was an incredible year, I feel like my brain was not very well exercised creatively. I’m not sure if it was the start of a new year or Tate turning one, but all of a sudden I have a need to create something new. I’m not yet sure how this need will be fulfilled, but I have tons and tons of ideas. Many of which involve super glue and paint, so help me (and my poor husband).

4. Just plain ole’ treating myself – 2011 was a year of constant financial stress. Having a baby holds all sorts of financial uncertainty, from hospital bills to doctors appointments to daycare costs to wages lost during unpaid maternity leave…it’s all extrememly overwhelming. But this year, as daycare costs will drop significantly (yay for toddler versus infant costs and Lucy being in first grade so no more daycare wheeeeee!) and (hopefully) salaries will rise, I’m hoping to finally get to do some things I’ve been putting off for ages. Like, say, a honeymoon? Decorating my house? Buying a washing machine that uses both hot and cold water or a refrigerator that’s pieces don’t fall off every time you open it? I feel like Kayne, people! Bring on the bling!