Here we are again – closing out another year. Personally, for me, 2024 can kick rocks. I am so looking forward to the fresh start – a reset – that the new year always brings.
This is also the time of the year when people begin thinking about their resolutions, you know, things you would like to do better or maybe things you would like to quit doing at all. I wrote a similar column about this last year – about what kind of goals I was setting in the upcoming year.
But let’s face it, that all sounds good and well, but how many of us actually follow through with our resolutions? Not I. Studies show that it’s about a 9 percent success rate.
As a young (ish) mother, I have decided I am going to do things a little differently in 2025. Instead of making a goal to run a 5K (never going to happen), I am going to make rather reasonable and realistic resolutions.
[Sidenote: I am not sure if anybody else does this, but I love lists, and sometimes while I am checking things off my to-do list, I will write in items that I have already done just so I can get that extra ego boost by checking it off. Are you following? Well, this is kind of the same concept.]
So…
Resolution No. 1: I will eat more chocolate and drink more wine.
This is a great start and easily achievable which equals automatic endorphin rush. But this really stems from not making enough YOU time. So, whether it’s chocolate or wine… pick your favorite guilty pleasure and make time to enjoy it. You deserve it!
Resolution No. 2: I will take an extra-long bath every chance I get.
Another self-care goal! This will also probably be easily accomplished, even though I may have to listen to a few tantrums going down in the other room or open a few fruit snacks while I soak. This will also most likely be a time where I encourage the kids to sit down and have a little screen time and try my best not to feel guilty about it because Momma wants to scroll TikTok, too while also…. drinking more wine! (Two resolutions knocked out right there.)
Resolution No. 3: Make more time to connect with family and friends.
It’s easy to let relationships fall to the wayside while you’re busy being a mom and juggling work or chores. So, make a point to schedule regular dinner dates, call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while to check in or just make a point to send a text message to catch up. Catching up is also enjoyable over wine (just saying!)
Resolution No. 4: Drink more water…
Who am I kidding? This one could also be substituted for, yea… you guessed it…. WINE!
Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! (and remember don’t drink wine and drive).
(Paige Gurgainers is a mom of three girls, digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal.)