Don’t we suffer enough? Personally, I have given up such luxuries as sleep and sitting down while eating since 1999, and I have the feeling I’m not alone.

Mamas should be exempt from this “resolutions” tradition. In fact, we should take it one step further and have some anti-resolutions.

I think two biggies on the list should be:

1) I will not diet.
Sure it’s good to be healthy but there’s nothing unhealthy about the well-earned muffin top. Deal with that later but for now put a sign on your fridge that says “Can you pinch an inch? Do you give a shit?”

2) I will not get suckered into a gym membership.
Time to get real - women who don’t even go to the bathroom alone are not likely to become regulars at the gym. Gym memberships are only wise investments once you no longer have a small child handing you toilet paper and flushing for you. Until then, build up a sweat the good old-fashioned mama way - chasing kids around the park, pushing double strollers loaded down with school bags and your laptop, and hauling around a toddler, baby and three bags of groceries all at once.

If you just can’t start 2009 without some sort of plan for change, try these on for size:

1) I will not feel guilty.
Cut yourself some slack already. Chances are you’re not the perfect mother, partner, employee and friend because she is a mythical creature. When you screw up, just try to do better next time. Guilt takes up a lot of energy and energy is something we mamas need to conserve.

2) I will not care what people think.
You’re the boss of you and your family. Who is better suited to call the shots - you or your meddling in-laws or the nosey neighbour? Go with your gut and to hell with the rest of them.

Here’s to us for 2009! Let’s agree that we’ll consider 2009 a success if we get through it with our last few strands of sanity still intact.

 

 

Julie Cole LL.B, M.A, is one of the founding mom entrepreneurs behind Mabel’s Labels Inc. and the proud mama of many – baby #6 to arrive this spring!

Filed under: Fabulous Guest Bloggers, humor for women, just be happy, kids, working moms