Another New Year! I know it is hardly unique for this time to be one of reflection and forward looking. Although there may be some who fall into the camp of not setting resolutions or intentions for the next 365(6) days, I side with likely the majority of people who look at January first as an opportunity for a fresh start.

Over the years, I would say, my expectations have become less invasive and more realistic. (For a wayback playback, here are my past New Year posts; 2016, 2017, 2018 …kind of a copout post but including it anyway, and 2019.) I used to aim for perfection – starting on the first it used to be all: No alcohol during the week! Yoga every day! – I inevitably veered of course and poured that glass of wine on a Wednesday instead of rolling out my mat.

Note this year is different given that I am pregnant and can’t have alcohol, which has actually been a pleasant way to spend the holidays; absolutely no grogginess or guilt in the mornings!

Speaking of being pregnant… 2020 will obviously be one of the biggest years of my life, having my first baby! Naturally this must change how I see and feel about some things. Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the home I want to raise our little one in. I’m finishing up the book Unfinished Business by Anne-Marie Slaughter and questioning the things I want to adjust or reset in our house. Specifically letting go of the idea that my way to tidy, keep, and maintain our house is the right way. Mike does a decent amount of housework but I am definitely the main home “do-er” in our relationship, and this isn’t because he’s not willing or able to help. To be frank, it is because I like things done my way.

For example, Mike can make the bed, but when I do it, the sheets are tucked and the “right” pillows are fluffed and placed in front. For this reason I take on the responsibility of making the bed most days. I’m beginning to realize… a bed made is a bed made in the grand scheme of things though.

I want to reframe my perspective on many things similar to this so Mike has an equal chance of doing house work his way (even if it is less polished than my approach). Our son is my motivation for this change of mind, and the critical fact that I want him to grow up in a house with his mom and dad doing equal work in the house (and, of course, in their careers but that is a longer post).

Ah, how children change you …before they even arrive!

In terms of other New Year resolutions, the same applies from year’s past: continuing to move every day; eating well; reading lots; being kind, compassionate, and authentic; choosing joy whenever possible; and any other feel-good, be-better buzz words you can think of. 😉

Cheers to 2020!