By Dana DeMercurio
Perched high on most women’s New Year’s resolutions list is this oh-so-familiar trifecta of obligatory yet undeniably difficult to sustain ‘lose weight, eat healthy, and make more money.’ While these are noble goals, the chances of them happening to your standards are – let’s face it – quite slim. Sure you might start out strong in the new year, but come March when everyday life gets in the way, that same list you were so gung-ho about slowly slips away or gets brushed under the rug for when it’s more ‘convenient.’ And by convenient, we mean when it shows up on the next year’s resolutions list.
Break the cycle this year and include resolutions that you will be eager to reach, whether personally or with the whole family. To get the wheels turning, we’ve included the top five items from our collective personal resolutions lists that we won’t be offended if you steal for your own!
1. Write out time cards, not checks: You’re inundated with mail – particularly in the yuletide months- from nonprofits desperately seeking your financial contributions for children and families in need. Before you reach for your checkbook, think about donating something much more valuable and personal than money: your time. Charities are always looking for volunteers to help out during the busy holiday months and beyond. Give those in need your most precious gift of time and watch the substantial positive changes in makes in your personal and home life. Giving your time to those less fortunate throughout the year is one of the most selfless acts a person can provide to their community and fellow human race. It should be at the top of every New Year’s resolution list!
2. Debt, Schmet: Credit card debt racking up? Feeling trapped? Not sure when or how you will ever climb out of the financial hole you’ve found yourself in? Don’t fret. Remember that everything that has been done can be undone, especially debt. This is not the easiest of tasks, but in the end you will realize the financial danger of being deep in debt and the negative and crippling affects it can have on you and your family. In this New Year, vow to take responsibly of your spending and put every extra dollar you make into paying down credit cards, student loans, and/or payday advances. Gather up all of your bills, make a spreadsheet, balance your budget, review necessary spending and expenses and begin to truly crack down and tighten your financial belt. This will be the ultimate test in self-control for you and your family. Have this conversation with your partner and children about the changes that will be taking place in your home, and allow them to be a part of this transformation. While paying off the sum of all debts within a year is impossible for nearly any family, pledge to start the process in 2015 and continue until you are completely debt free.
3. Parental Time Outs: There is absolutely no shame in throwing your hands in the air and shouting “I need a time out!” In fact, we encourage it. So why not add it to your resolutions list this year? Make a promise to yourself that every week you will set aside time for yourself away from your kids and partner to just relax, unwind, sip a glass of wine and enjoy the sweet sound of silence. You deserve it after all!
4. Stop Being a Negative Nancy: How many times did your mother tell you that you will attract more flies with honey than you do with vinegar? Of course no one wants to attract flies, but we get the gist of it. Stop spouting off at the mouth with negative comments and definitely stop posting them on social media! Keep your negativity to yourself in the New Year, or better yet, think positive! Remember that life is precious, short and full of magic, miracles and beauty. Don’t let trivial things cloud your happiness. In 2015 be sure to smile more, pay it forward, recognize your blessings, and you’re sure to find your happy place!
5. Make a Bucket List: You’re never too old (or too young) to create a bucket list and stick to it. And no, a bucket list is not the same as a new year’s resolution list. Google it if you don’t trust us. This year, not only make the list, but cross off at least one item in 2015. Whether it’s traveling out of the country, experimenting with the art of trapeze or learning how to cook traditional Vietnamese cuisine, don’t be afraid to go after what’s in your heart, regardless of how random it might be. You will feel invigorated and ready for life knowing that you are living out your dreams.