New Year and a Reflection on How to be Happy

0

Raise your hand if you are mentally exhausted from 2016? It was a pretty crazy year when you look back at it.  It was a good year.  Work was busy; my husband published his first novel; my daughter started preschool; I became a fitness instructor; I surrounded myself with a very strong and uplifting tribe of moms; and my photography business grew! Though it was a good year, I always enjoy looking forward to what a new year will bring.

I typically don’t do New Year’s resolutions, but this year I feel like we could all use some goals/tips/reminders to keep us positive and to help us embrace any changes that come our way in 2017.  

Here are some ways to remain happy in the new year!

stocksnap_muzbdjmua5Surround Yourself with Positive People

As we get older it is more challenging to make new friends. However, today we have so many resources to help. Facebook can be a great start. There are so many groups out there that cater specific interests. When my husband dove into his latest interest, mountain biking, he found a great group of guys and gals to ride with, primarily through a buy/sell/trade group on Facebook. Even if you’re not on Facebook, the good old World Wide Web is a great place to search for people in your area who have similar interests and passions. Other social media platforms, and websites designed for that purpose can help you find your new group.  If you’re looking for moms to connect with, be sure to check out the Neighborhood Groups that #nphxmoms has set up. 

Get Crafty

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Step outside your comfort zone and learn a new craft. There are several great small local shops that offer clinics or workshops to learn something new. I always feel refreshed after using the other part of my brain and learning something new.

Reflect and Be Thankful

When you’re tired, dishes are piling up, laundry is piling up, dinner has to be made and your kiddos are at their wits end, it can be hard to see the light at the end of the day. Just know that we’ve all been there and you are doing the best you can. Reflect on these moments as a learning experience and know that tomorrow is a new day. Be thankful that amidst the chaos of life, you are loved.

Don’t Get Bogged Down By Expectations

If there is one key lesson I have learned as a mom, it’s that the moment I lay down expectations on how something should go, my little one will find a way to tear it all down. I have found that if I ease up on expectations – if I “go with the flow,” my child has no emotion from me to feed off of and we walk away with smiles on our faces.

Live In The Moment

It is so easy to get caught up in social media and notifications coming from our devices, but think of all the precious moments you are missing. Make it a goal to set your device in another room for an hour or two each day to really enjoy the time you have with your partner, kids, family, or friends. It’s so refreshing to be in the moment.

 

You got this mama.  Here’s to a fabulous 2017!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here