Baby Steps

I learned long ago not to spend New Year’s Eve making a lot of resolutions. Even given a boatload of good intention, I would usually not follow through on my resolutions, and would then feel bad. But this year, I am quietly and gently trying to make a few changes in my life.

I’m trying to slow down a bit. With five children and a full-time job, life can seem to careen about at breakneck speed. And still, I wouldn’t feel like I was getting enough done or doing a good enough job at some things. So I’m trying to cut myself a break.

I’m lingering over meals just a few minutes longer. I’m not rushing to get off the phone when a friend calls and needs to talk. I’m spending about 5 minutes longer massaging Ashley’s arms and hands with lotion after her bath. I’m having a cup of tea and spreading a blanket over my legs on cold winter nights. And I’m not panicking if I don’t get my kitchen floor scrubbed each and every weekend.

Another thing I am trying to do is to separate myself a bit from people who present a negative presence in my life. I tell my co-worker who always imagines the end-of-the-world as we know it is fast approaching that I am busy and need to get back to work. I’m reading fewer blogs if the blogger has a tendency to focus on the negative. I’m trying to spend less time around people who ‘drain’ my energy, people whose life is an ALL-CAPS life EVERY MINUTE OF THE DAY.

I’m trying to smile more, rest more, enjoy the extra small things of life more.

So far, it’s working….