New Year's Resolutions That Are Easy To Keep


At the end of each year I love looking back at places we went, things we accomplished, and everything in between. Believe me, not everyday is perfect in the Patricio household, but we are beyond blessed for our health and the love we have for one another. I don't really make New Year's Resolutions because within the first week I slip up. I skip a day of working out or I need that soda from Chick Fil A, because hello that ice is life! Instead, I try to set some reasonable goals and I wanted to share them with all of you because maybe you need that extra push to hold yourself accountable and be the best you can be in 2018! 

For moms it is so hard because we always put ourselves last and we are worried about our children, husbands, jobs, and so many other things. Here are some goals that I think are so important and here's to an amazing 2018!

1. Be present with your children. This one is easy for me. I am a stay at home mom and I spend every minute of the day with Kennedy and Carter. I drop off and pick up Carter from school everyday. I never miss Monday morning prayer service or Friday morning mass at Carter's school. I go on every field trip and attend every party or festivity at Carter's school as well. I am there for every "good morning" and every single "good night."  I can't imagine not being with my children or traveling without them. We try to play a board game every night after baths and we always eat as a family with no TV or distractions and ask questions to the kids to encourage communication and conversation.

2. Try not to be so hard on yourself. I really wish I could always see myself how my kids see me. Sometimes when I look in the mirror I see imperfections, wrinkles, blemishes, stress and more, but I know when my children see me, they see someone who is always fun and someone they want to imitate or be like and someone who always makes them laugh. 

3. Donate or give back. Like any girl, I love to shop and I am actually going to do this for the first time this year. I am going to switch all of my hangers backwards and when I wear the item I will put it back to normal. By May or June I will be able to see everything I did not wear and donate it.  I have already made 3 trips to Goodwill since Christmas. 

4. Be there for the people who matter most. This year, like every year, lessons are learned and you prioritize what is important. At the end of this year I learned that the things that matter most in my life are my husband and kids, and that is who I want to spend every second of my life with. Friends are great, but I am really sick of putting 100% into friendships and getting nothing in return so I let go of some friendships this year and let me tell you it feels great. It was like an extra weight taken off my shoulders. Also, if you find yourself wearing "too many hats" or involved in too much and not able to give 100% of yourself to everything you enjoy or that you are involved in, maybe make a list and prioritize and start taking a step back from some things. It is better to give 100% of yourself to your family first rather than extra curricular activities or friendships. You need to know when to step away or say no. I am finally learning that.

5. Let it go. I am sure you can all hear Elsa singing right now. This one I am still learning about and probably always will. With kids, family, friends, or your spouse, learn to pick your battles and always remember that some people (whether it be friends or family) are just not worth your time or effort if they are not putting any time or effort into you. Don't let anyone take advantage of you. These past few years I have been lied to by so-called family, taken advantage of, called names by so-called friends, stole from, and personally I am not the forgiving or the forgetting type. I just have a hard time forgetting. forgiving, or trusting people who have wronged me. This one I will have to work on everyday and I will try to let it go, but that does not mean you have to let those people remain in your life. Because really if the relationship it is just toxic, why have that  negativity it in your life?!

Most importantly, we are only on this earth for a brief time. I pray for the moments and days to slow down. I just want to enjoy each moment with my children. Take in your surroundings, breath in the fresh air, spend time with your family, make sure you tell people what they mean to you, turn up the music and sing and dance like no one is watching, thank God everyday for this beautiful life that you have. I tell my kids every morning to thank God for the light in their eyes and the air in their lungs.

Happy New Year's Eve