I've taken a very long sabbatical from blogging recently. The holidays really take it out of me, especially being pregnant. In all the ways in which I really TRY to be a supermom....I can't do everything, so some things must take a back seat. But, with the new year, I've had a some time to sit and think and self-evaluate my life and I what I want for the upcoming year.
New Year's is not my favorite holiday. I think it's a little because I have some sadness that Christmas is over. All the build-up and anticipation is gone in just one day. It's a little disheartening. I think it can be especially for women because you realize all the work that goes into baking, cooking, decorating, shopping, wrapping, and memory-making for those you love. Moms and women in general, are superheros this time of year.
But also, the new year leaves me feeling a little defeated that I have to start all over again. One year down, many more to go. And, I'm supposed to make some sort of resolution? For what? To lose weight? Be healthier? Watch less TV? Read more books? Invest money into my 401K? Do home improvements? Run a marathon? And, why?
It's been said that up to 80% of New Year's Resolutions made, fail. So, why do we make them? I want a life change, not a goal that I won't attain and leaves me feeling like a failure in the end.
For Christmas, my bestie gave me a book, entitled The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin. I've only read a couple chapters so far, but I feel inspired by this woman's journey to figure out what exactly makes her happy and then pursue it. Of course these things are not necessarily what everyone would agree as quick fixes for happiness. I probably won't ever win the lottery, or build my absolute dream home; the world won't ever know my name. But, do these things really bring happiness, anyway?
The first goal of the book is to establish exactly what makes you happy. This was actually quite difficult as I thought it through. All the things in my life that I've accomplished thus far, I remember years back, longing for theses things and thinking then that once I had them, things would be perfect. I wanted so bad to be married to Jon...done. Have babies...done. A big house...done. But so many times, these things I take for granted and keep wanting more. What if LESS is actually what is needed for happiness?
So, I thought about when I'm most happy. I love being outside and enjoying nature, taking long walks. I enjoy blogging and writing and being creative. I like things being organized and clutter free. I find I tend to really enjoy things that I thought I would hate and things that challenge me. I'm happier when I'm well-rested and have had taken time for myself. I'm my best when my relationship with my husband is close and and we're "in-tune". I'm at peace when I've had my time with the Lord every day. I'm able to give more of myself to my family when I've had time to wake up early in the morning and drink coffee before the demands begin. I have the most fun with my children when we're doing things that don't involve spending money or the latest toys.
So, this is my goal for this year...to pursue happiness through doing more of what I enjoy and doing it with less "stuff". I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Wish me luck!
"It is by studying the little things, that we attain the great art of having little misery, and as much happiness as possible."
-Samuel Johnson
