Rose Coloured Glasses
Rose Coloured Glasses
The transition into another calendar period is usually a time of reflection and self-improvement plans. While people make New Year’s resolutions at the end of the year, I typically get started in October, which means a longer period of self-reflection for me to plan every moment with precise care. Everyone, myself included, always looks at the new year with rose-coloured glasses of expectation of perfection and plans for change.
Therefore, it’s been quite a couple of months for me.
Why?
I ended the year and started the year by asking myself a million questions about self-improvement.
Human nature strives to be better and do better to surpass the past.
As the confetti settles and the glitter of the New Year starts to fade, we find ourselves back in the rhythm of daily life. The enthusiasm with which I penned down my goals with sparkling optimism that this year will be my year has slowly begun to wane as the weeks turn into days, and those days become filled with endless to-do lists that seem like they will never end.
In my journey as a mum and an observer of life, I’ve seen this scenario play out more times than I can count. January begins with a bang; gyms filled to the brim, the dozen buy journals, and planners meticulously filled out. But by the time February rolls around, the novelty of the new year starts to wear off, and reality begins to set in. It’s a pattern I’ve noticed not just in others but in myself as well. But this means accepting that my year is really not starting off with the idealized rose-coloured images I had created for my perfect year.
The truth is, my life with my kids is very unpredictable. One day, I am a super-organizer, juggling schedules, meal planning, and still finding time for self-care. The next, I can barely keep my head above water, and my ever-growing list of tasks paralyzes me. This constant shift can make sticking to my New Year goals seem like an uphill battle, and all my desires for self-improvement in the new year almost impossible.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to maintaining that beginning-of-the-year enthusiasm lies in setting realistic expectations and being kind to ourselves. It’s about understanding that progress is not linear and that sometimes, life occurrences will get in the way of our best-laid plans.
Instead of setting monumental goals that are hard to achieve, breaking them down into smaller, more manageable tasks makes a world of difference. It’s the little wins that keep us motivated, after all. Completing a 5-minute meditation session or reading a book for 10 minutes before bed might seem insignificant in the grand scheme. Still, these small acts of self-care add up, contributing to our overall well-being and sense of accomplishment.
For me, embracing flexibility has been a game-changer. With children, unexpected things happen all the time. Sick days, school closures, and last-minute projects can throw a wrench in our plans. Rather than being rigidly tied to my New Year resolutions, adapting and going with the flow helps maintain a positive outlook.
Another aspect that has helped me immensely is fostering a community of support. Whether it’s family, friends, or an online group of fellow mums, having people to share your successes and setbacks with makes the journey less daunting. There’s something incredibly comforting about knowing you’re not alone in your struggles to keep up with your resolutions.
Remembering my “why” helps as well. My desires and change points are not just items to check off my list; they are stepping stones toward the life I aspire to live. These words contain tangible plans for my growth and self-improvement and help me create a better future for myself and my family. With my WHY in focus, it becomes easier to pick myself up after a setback and keep pushing forward.
As the year progresses and the initial excitement of the New Year fades, it’s essential to remember that every day is an opportunity to start anew. Our goals and resolutions should not be confined to January; they are alive and evolving like we all are. By being realistic, flexible, and gentle with ourselves, we can maintain our enthusiasm throughout the year, making progress in our journey of self-improvement and creating a fulfilling life for our families and ourselves. We can make this year truly ours with grace and perseverance, one day at a time.
