I don’t set New Year’s resolutions…but I do see the start of every new school year as a way to begin anew with all sorts of resolve.
In my head there lists. Lots of them. With categories and subcategories. My lists look like this:
This school year…
I’m going to meal plan…
I’m going to be more organized…
I’m going to spend more quality time with my boys…
I’m going to actually learn about football this season so that when my boys are playing football with their team I actually understand what’s happening instead of trying to intently watch while fantasizing about reading a book…
My house will be cleaner…
And I could go on but, you get the gist. Can you relate? I actually hate the 1st day of school. I miss spending playful, unscheduled, unhurried time with my boys. Back to school means packing lunches everyday. More laundry, more schedules and more busyness. And it also signifies the start of a busier season for me at work.
I thought back to last school year and thought of what needed to be different in our family to have a smoother, more productive year with more peace and joy in our household. I realized that I had a lack of order in our home along with too much disorganization and no clear family goals.
My mom retired a couple months ago so she graciously has volunteered to help me with the boys after school one night a week so I can work later and focus on work more that day which means I can clear my calendar one night a week to focus on intentional family time. My boss and I discussed my schedule at work and it feels doable and manageable to me.
So I feel hopeful for a good year. I think it’s awesome to strive to be better and set goals but I think we all need to remember we are human. Not robots. We have limits. We get tired. We need to recharge. I forget these things sometimes. When my friends and family who know me best stop me to tell me, “You are doing a great job! Take a break.” Or, sometimes they remind me that my pile of laundry and messy bathroom can wait a day so I can get a good night’s sleep.This refreshes my soul and warms my heart. I feel so blessed to have people who genuinely care about me in my life.
Be extraordinary…
Consider what goals and/or priorities are important to you. Make time to accomplish them but take time for yourself also. Tell a cherished friend or family member how much they mean to you.
i hate it too i vote no more school whos with me