I have always been driven. Always striving to overachieve, to be better than the “others”, and to be better than I was the day before. I find myself asking “Emily, Where do you get that energy and the strength to do this?” That I will never know.
It’s my belief, that when you want something, you should go after it. Never stop until you get it. You have to look deep within and push yourself, drawing energy from deep inside. Since becoming a mother, I am less competitive with others. Okay, that was a lie. Let me try again. Since becoming a mother of a toddler, I am less competitive with others. That’s better, because that is the truth.
When The Boy was born, I wanted to be a super mother. To do everything the way that I thought was perfect. Basically, to do things the exact opposite of how I observed my friends to be parenting. Many of them didn’t make the healthiest or safest choices for their kiddos. Funny the way things turn out when you add an infant to the mix. They always have other plans, don’t they. Watch out new moms, kids are sneaky from day one.
While I do most of the things that I set out to do – like no fast food, no cake for breakfast unless it is your birthday, and always wear a helmet while skateboarding (yes, The Boy skateboards at age 3!) – there are a few things that I haven’t followed through with – such as no bikes in the house, no writing on the windows, and always eating your veggies! I’ve slacked on a few things because I’ve been too tired to pay attention to my own responses. As a mom, you always need to be on your ‘A’ game. You can get energy from things like coffee, power shots, and prescriptions. Or, you can choose to be present with your child. Their joy, excitement, and curiosity will power you through even your most tired, sluggish days.
For 2013, I resolve to be more present in my own life, The Texan’s life, and The Boy’s life. At times, the days fly by and I feel like I’m missing things. Instead of worrying about being a perfect, superstar mother, I am going to be happy knowing that I am the perfect mother for The Boy. And that our family is going to have an amazing year!
good resolutions. mine is to do more cardio
This is a great post!
Good for you! I think a lot of Super Moms forget that spontaneity sometimes makes the best memories for kids.
I noticed when my kids were younger that I was determined to do things differently, and mostly I did; but as they have gotten older I’ve started slacking off a little. They became so independent so fast that I sometimes sit and wonder where exactly all that time went. Also, as they have gotten older and pulled away, there isn’t much that they really want to do with mom anymore, we still make time everyday to sit and talk or play a game, but they would rather be off by themselves or with friends. Just know that you are raising an amazing young man and you have been and will be the PERFECT mother for him no matter what anyone else says:)
Thank you! I’m really trying to enjoy the time with him, I savor every second. I know that in a few short years (or less) he’ll only want to hang with The Texan, I won’t be cool any more. That makes me sad.
Great reflection on your goals for life 2013! I’m also participating in #nablopomo and look forward to reading tons of posts!
Thanks, Lisa, for stopping by. I’ve been really working to be more present and appreciate things more these first few days of 2013. And, despite having the flu for 10 days or so, I feel like I’m doing a great job!
Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
Perfect can get boring anyway! I think what you are are resolving to do is wonderful!
Getting energy from those around you is an admirable way to work towards your goals. I wish you the best. Also you are so very right, the young ones are very sneaky, don’t be worried when it is loud, be worried when it is very quite.
Great post. Visiting from NABLOPOMO. I have the same new years resolutions on my “energy”post too. Check it out and good luck to both us to be more present in our children’s lives in 2013.
Thank you so much for visiting! How are you doing at being more present? I feel like I’m doing a good jjob. I’m more focused on enjying what we’re doing – I don’t feel like I’ve changed things up too much, yet everything feels so much more enjoyable. I guess that’s what a shift in thinking can do for you!
Yes, I completely know what you are talking about, when you want something you must have the drive and will power to move forward to accomplish it. It is a wonderful feeling when that accomplishment happens!
I agree 100% that being around young children can revive anyone because you have fun and keep going all the time! It sounds like you are a perfect mom with a great balance between what is “right” and when to let some things go for the greater good 🙂 Great Post.
I think being present in your own life is such a great tip! So many people seem to be waiting for something to happen, while life is happening all around them!
I think people are so worried about what OTHERS are doing, that they forget to live THEIR lives. You know how it is. You read about this friend who overshares on FB, a blogger who has a seemingly endless supply of cash & fun…it makes you feel jealous – I don’t care who you are, everyone gets jealous when others seem to have more/do more. This year, I want to focus on me. us. my family. What is important to me is that we have authentic, unique memories.
2013 is going to be fun!
i know how You fell,the past 4 months I’ve been having taking care of my mother-in-law on a daily basis!It’s like I’m taking care of two house holds. I know it will get better,as she feels better.
No fast food? You are a better person than me – though I have tried to cut back. 🙂
Dawn
Part of the “no fast food” comes from not having it myself when I was a kid. The closest fast food restaurant to us was a 20 minute drive – that sort of defeats the purpose, doesn’t it?
Now, for “fast food” we got to Panera Bread – although that is in the quick-casual segment of the restaurant industry, I still think of it as fast food.
It’s hard being mum, trying to get everything right and there’s always someone with an opinion. I find I need my time, my work and my writing to be a good mum. Just don’t ever let anyone tell you what your doing is wrong – keep going!!
I think as parents we learn to pick and choose our battles. We learn not to make a big deal about something small and keep focus on the big things. My goal this year is to not let the little things get to me. If I don’t let them bug me then I will have more time and energy for the important things in life. Like my family and friends.
That’s a fantastic goal!
Love this post. I feel the same with my daughter.
I had to use the joy from my DD just today to make it through. And its such a great feeling to have something like that in my life. I also choose to be more present in her life this year. THeres so much Ive missed before
I’ve really been struggling with the thought “if I don’t take a photo/tweet/post to FB, did it really happen?” I don’t want to do things just to photograph/tweet/post about them, I want to do them to have authentic, unique experiences for my family. We made cookies together yesterday, I didn’t take a single photo – it felt strange, but we still had a great time! Being present is more important that having a picture!
I also need to work on being more present. I say I will only be on the phone or computer for a few minutes and it soon turns into hours, draining all my energy. I love that you said your kids energy and love of life energizes you. I am making this a goal for me as well.
So happy that I could inspire someone! Here’s to 2013 being a great year, to being present and energized!