A Happy New Year!

Happy 2017!

Happy…it’s an important word. Have you ever wondered what makes you happy? Sure, kids, husband, a home, and your job should make you happy. But what else makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning?

As I sit here in my dining room table, a glass of wine in hand, I stare blankly at my computer trying to come up with something inspirational and clever to write about that will catapult me into the new year. Each year I come up with a list of things that I want to accomplish. Lose weight. Travel more. Run a marathon. Eat better. Etc… While all those things are great, instead, this year I want to focus on being completely happy.

2015 and 2016 were kind of a whirlwind! So much happened and there was really no time for me to just breathe. In 2015, our lives changed significantly. I quit my job, we moved to a different city, I got pregnant for the second time. Once we were settled in our new home, I put all my energy and time into studying for my exam to become PHR certified and getting my U.S. citizenship. It was a busy and accomplished 2015.

Then 2016 came and so did my blessing, Emilia Rayne. We had her on January 25th and from that day on, everything has been about her and her well-being. Gabriel also started Kindergarten this year so I poured myself into getting him in a routine and being the perfect stay-at-home-mom.

Now that its 2017, I’ve decided that this is the year for me. A time of self awareness and discovery. A time for me to focus on what makes me truly happy and fulfilled.

I know that a messy house and clutter makes me feel stressed out and anxious so I need to declutter and get rid of things that no longer serve a purpose.

I know that certain forms of exercise make me feel happy and rejuvenated so I need to continue to do them and make it a priority and not just an afterthought.

I know that working on my career and skill sets are important for when I am ready to get back into the workforce so I will make time for professional development.

I know that spending time with my kids and seeing joy in their eyes when they are playing makes my heart feel full so I definitely need to make more time to play with them.

I know that quality time with my husband and date nights are important for our marriage so as much as I cringe at the though of leaving our kids with a babysitter, this is something that we will have to explore and I am open to that.

I know that a healthy diet makes me feel energetic, alert and strong so I will need to be more conscience of the food we keep in the house and what I feed myself and my family.

I know that the introvert inside of me craves alone time and peace so I’ll need to schedule time for myself on a daily basis, even if for just 30 minutes a day.

I know that the extrovert inside of me craves socialization so I’ll need to get out of my shell and find the courage to go out and meet other like minded people that will inspire and motivate me.

I know that I put too much pressure on myself and at times take things too seriously. I need to not sweat the small stuff and let go of things I cannot control.

I know that tomorrow is not promised. I need to remember that everyday is a gift and as long as we have our health, everything else is a plus.

I know that all these things are a culmination of what makes me a happy person. My focus is to continue to do things that bring joy and happiness in my life so that ultimately I am able to bring joy and happiness to my husband and kids lives.