2014 is here! We closed out 2013 feeling grateful, accomplished and best of all – sane!

I opened up the new calendar and saw beautiful, blank squares with little, quiet numbers…briefly. Then my head began to fill with the millions of things I had to fit in those squares with the start of the new year…which reminded me of all the little things I was to do different/better/more of…plus the variety of things that could be tacked onto a ‘resolution’ style list (though I don’t actually call it that…)

Deep breath, Daina.

There is only one way for a panic stricken, habitual list maker to survive. Paper. Pen. Phewff.

January is always a crazy month. As I mentioned, I’m not really a resolution making gal, but I feel the drive like everyone else to get back on the elliptical, make healthier choices and get my house and life organized. I’m not sure if the urge to exercise is because I see everyone else getting into gear or because I can feel the turkey and shortbread when I try to squeeze into my jeans. And as for getting organized? Well, I just really need to get organized.

We have 5 January birthdays including my own. It is the start of new sports season for everyone in my household (none of us share a sport). I have schedules to make work, a wonderful sunshine vacation to prepare for and a little mental list of things I really want to do for myself. Personal goals…not resolutions…

I’m sure you do too.

As for my wonderful sunshine vacation…

It is truly wonderful once you get there. Beaches and sunshine and relaxation and margaritas…mmm… But it’s the getting there. I have to get us packed, make arrangements with the school, for the dog, for the mail etc. Passports, travel arrangements blah blah blah

And then there’s the body prep.

I have boys. For them, getting ready for a beach vacation means: Pack trunks and sunglasses. Get on the plane. Get off the plane. Get into said trunks and sunglasses . Enjoy.

I, on the other hand, am watching my weight for the months in advance (damn you Turkey and Shortbread). I have to book my pedicure and hair appointments. I get a spray tan because I’m one of the whitest girls in Alberta and the sun cooks me up like crispy bacon. And then I have to over pack…because I’m a girl and I want to have clothing choices everyday that I’m on vacation so I look as pretty as my polished toes and highlighted hair. It all sounds very vain, doesn’t it? Sigh…it is. At home I rock the ponytail and hoodie persona. On vacation I want to feel like…a babe…what can I say?

Arg… my non-resolution stuff…

My husband and I do a sit down with each kid and each other to discuss our goals for the next few months. For the kids, we discuss what they want to do different or better and then ask how we can support them in achieving their goals. It gives the boys an opportunity to challenge themselves and feel the support from their parents. It’s also nice for hubby and me to see where are kids are at and understand what is important to them. They surprise us every time.

I personally get knocked down by my own staggering list of health improvements, personal goals and new responsibilities.

But I don’t call them resolutions for a reason. There is no timeline. No false promises. No broken intentions. It’s simply becoming aware of things I’d like to change and taking the first steps in making that happen.

This is the trap many people fall into.

Some changes are possible to make quickly – many are not. And as our life evolves throughout the year, things that seemed important in January are often irrelevant by October.

I attack these self improvement items with the same mantra that inspired this blog; Small steps, gestures and actions make big changes. For now, I just need to make lists to bring order to the millions of thoughts colliding in my scull.

So, to sum up my January panic:

1. Organize the calendar. I probably will change it as I go but at least the craziness is out of my head for now.

2. Make endless lists to organize our vacation even though all we really need are swimsuits, flip flops and sunscreen…but at least all the craziness is out of my head for now.

3. Organize my thoughts and goals on paper to bring about self awareness and ideas for a healthier lifestyle

…and get the craziness out of my head.

Do you see why I make lists?

Stay sane, my friends!

xo

D