Resolutions, What Do They Mean to You?

res·o·lu·tion      /ˌrezəˈlo͞oSH(ə)n/
noun.   plural noun: resolutions

a firm decision to do or not to do something.
“she kept her resolution not to see Anne any more”

the quality of being determined or resolute.
“he handled the last French actions of the war with resolution”

Somehow, in western thinking, the New Year brings the need for resolutions; commitments to make changes in life.  For many, this is an opportunity to evaluate the current situation, looking for improvements.  For others it, is a stressful time of feeling they have not measured up.

In my opinion, it is always good to evaluate our situations.  Life is a fluid process.  We grow and change all the time.  As parents this transition is all the more in flux because little people are part of the mix.  We no longer “have control” of everything!

We can not second guess what each day will hold.  This is a good thing.  It forces us to be flexible, causing us to be open to changes we might not have perviously considered!

You have to decide for your self whether or not you want to think about next year and write down ‘resolutions’.  Just the thought of this may be overwhelming.  That is OK.  Maybe this is year is not the one to spend allot of time planning, thinking, arranging.  This year may be a year of riding out the waves of life.  It may be a few years before you are in a place where longterm planning fits.  If your spouse is a planner you may need to let them do the planning for the time.

I encourage you not to stress out trying to fit into a mold that isn’t right for you.  As previously stated, life is a fluid entity.  Enjoy life where you are!  There will be plenty of time for organization, planning, etc. in the future.

For those wishing to investigate the process of seeing New Year’s Resolutions find some interesting articles to help below!!!

Happy New Year!!!  JUDY

How to Make (and Keep) Your New Year’s Resolutions By Kelly Mickle and Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.

https://www.self.com/story/new-year-resolution-handbook

 

7 Steps For Making a New Year’s Resolution and Keeping Them                                  Annabel Candy

https://www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/7-steps-for-making-a-new-years-resolution-and-keeping-it.html

 

Healthbeat

Steps for making your New Year’s resolutions stick

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/seven-steps-for-making-your-new-years-resolutions-stick

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukah

The days of celebration have arrived.  The shopping is finished (at least it should be) the baking complete, the food prepared.  What ever you planned to do for the holiday, today is the day to let it be done/finished.  Take this day to be grateful.  Take time today to relax, focus, appreciate all that has be accomplished.  The craziness of the holidays needs to be put aside so you and your family are able to take advantage of the preparations and projects.  Allow yourself to slow down and enjoy.  The purpose of Christmas is family time, gratefulness, peace.  Peace needs to start in your heart right now.

Put on your favorite holiday music.  Roast marshmallows over the fire (I do them over the stove sometimes, Ha!).  Set the atmosphere in your home to be one of blessing and happiness.

I wish you and yours a blessed holiday.  I pray you will look back on this season as one of your best.  It starts with you and the attitude of your heart!!!

JUDY

 

 

 

 

 

Depression During the Holidays

During the extra stress and activity of the holidays often new mom’s find themselves wondering why they are not as excite as usual.  Fear not!  You are not weird and this is not permanent.  Nearly every new mom with whom I have worked has experienced some level of postpartum depression.  Usually it is very mild and resolved in a couple conversations.

Moving from professional woman to the role of motherhood is a major transformation!  In my assessment there is not enough said about how this will affect you!  Your body has just completed creating a whole other person.  This little person is completely dependent upon you!  Your body is trying to transform back to its original state.  In the midst of all this you are learning to care for the new you and your baby.  It is allot to go through.

Allowing yourself the time and calm to learn and acclimate to all this is wise.  This is why  maternity leave in the US is three to six months.  It takes that long to start feeling like yourself again!  I so wish OB’s helped their clients understand the changes taking place.  New moms tell me: “My brain isn’t working right!”;  “I am so tired all the time!”;  “When will I feel like myself again?”.

One of my most valuable qualities for you, the new mommy, I my ability to walk you through this path and help you see the light at the end of the tunnel.  You will be yourself soon.  Allow your mind and body to recuperate at your rate.  Don’t push yourself to go back to work before you are really ready.  Permit yourself the time you need to fully recover.  You will not regret it!

Below find a one sheet discussion sheet on postpartum issues.  If you feel you are experiencing these symptoms talk to a professional.  Contact me, I would love to help you  find the help you need.  Take with your OB.  Everyone deals with these issues on some level after having a baby.  You are wise to get the help you need quickly!

JUDY

 

Click to access PSI-Perinatal-Mental-Health-Discusion-Tool.pdf

Take Care of Yourself!

Somehow, when the holidays hit, life becomes more of a whirlwind than normal!  There are so many projects to complete, friends and family who want time, activities you want to add to the schedule:  tree lightings, Christmas movies, cookies to bake, etc.,  Life becomes so busy many find themselves exhausted and ill.  With small children, your family life is already on the edge.  If you allow yourself to become ill who is going to pick up the slack?

Make your home a place of peace.  Be the gate keeper of your schedule.  Be aware of when you are over planned.  Learn to say , “NO”.  There is always next Christmas.  If something can’t fit into the schedule, do it later.  Do not allow yourself to be pushed to your limit.  At that point none of the holiday activities are fun anyway!

Your small children and family members won’t mind doing activities in January if that works better.  Your peace of mind is far more valuable to you and your family than another lunch out, etc.

Figure out what helps you relax and plan it into your days.  I used to save Fridays as our day off.  We would not schedule any other activities for Friday.  It was a family day to enjoy.  We went to the park or beach and had time together.  It was my recharge day.  Oh how valuable and mentally relaxing having one day completely off worked out.

ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAYS!!!  MAKE THEM WORK BEST FOR YOU!!!   JUDY

An Advent of Kindness!!!

Starting December 1^st lets do an Advent of Kindness!!!  Advent is the time leading up to Christmas Day.  This project costs very little and blesses many including you!  Lets focus on how to bless those with whom we come in contact through out the harried holiday season.  The list below is divided by date.  It encourages you to think about others on a daily basis.  If you want to double up your kindnesses do so!   JUDY

December 1^st: Give someone a hug!

2^nd:   Pay someone a compliment!

3^rd:    Let someone in front of you in line!

4^th:    Hold a door open for someone!

5^th:    Give someone you love your full attention!

6^th:    Do something kind for a local charity!

7^th:    Tell a joke to make someone laugh!

8^th:     Do something kind for yourself!

9^th:     Hide a happy note for someone to find today!

10^th:   Donate unwanted books to a local charity!

11^th:    Smile at a stranger, or 2, or 15!!!

12^th:    Contact an old friend or relative!

13^th:     Let a car in front of you in traffic!

14^th:     Write or text a big thank you to someone!

15^th:     Pay for someone’s order at the drive thru!

16^th:     Smile and say a jolly thank you to someone who serves you!

17^th:     Do something kind for your spouse, friend, child, etc.!

18^th:     Tell someone you love them!

19^th:     Offer to help someone!

20^th:      Feed wild animals, birds, or ducks!

21^st:       Donate unwanted clothing or toys to charity!

22^nd:     Prepare an unexpected kindness for someone!

23^rd:     Provide something special for your postman!

24^th:     Ponder the reason for the season!

25^th:     Read a favorite holiday story to little ones.

26^th:     Spend quite time with those you love!

27^th:     Think about what has brought you the most joy over the last month!

28^th:     Write or text thank you’s for any gifts you received!

29^th:     Contact the first person you think of and wish them a Happy Hew Year!!!

30^th:     Consider all the wonderful things you experienced over the past year!

31^st:      Decide which of these kindness you want to take into the New Year!