1. Say No To Sugar.
Hi, my name is Susan and I haven’t had a gram of sugar for 6 days. My last encounter with sugar was during Christmas and it involved chocolate and cake and all-things carby. In these six-sugar-free-days I am reminded what sanity feels like again. If you’ve read any of my earlier posts, you know I am on Weight Watchers. My de-boarding of the sugar-train was part of this process.
As a sugar addict I will say it loud loud loud: SUGAR IS MY ADDICTIVE DRUG! (pardon the screaming)
Sugar makes me irrational, cloudy, cranky, sore and crampy… then it leaves me wanting more of its goodness.Which often comes wrapped in a warm, gooey package with yet more calories. Yet I want it.
And more.
And more.
And more.
Then I feel like a rabid woman foaming at the mouth for anything sweet, carby or breaded.
My hope in 2017: less sugar, more sanity.
2. Say Yes to Friends
Last night we went to our weekly home group from church. The kids were in the basement, the adults in the living room. Two hours of laughter, listening and friendship. My tank was again full. Friendships are life-giving. I need more of this in 2017.
3. Order Groceries Online.
I kissed the foreheads of my three cherubs this morning and scooted them out the door. I sat on my couch, sipped my coffee and proceeded to do my grocery shopping.
I dashed between the aisles of dairy and produce and frozen foods with the quick click of my computer keys. I entered promo codes, I got good deals and I never left my house. Thirty minutes later, my groceries were ordered. There was no schlepping through the aisles or bribing my girls to keep their junk together for just a bit longer. Nope. This Mama added at least three hours to her week. I then pulled up in a designated parking space, watched a nice college student load the groceries in my car and headed home. I spent those three hours with kids and hubs around the dinner table instead of in a crowded grocery store. Mom. Win.
4. Hold Sacred the Hours of 6pm-9pm.
My Goal: Create a Charging Station and limit screen time in the evenings.
Each year as my children get older, screens become more and more of an issue. However, my kids are not the only ones with screen addiction. I have an attention problem with my devices as well. Meaning, when one is in my hand, nothing else gets my attention.
In 2017, I want to hold sacred the hours of 6pm-9pm. That’s when the magic (or crazy) happens. That’s when mamas and daddies all over the globe get to hear about their child’s day. We listen to the highs and the lows. We get to be engaged while they shovel food in their bellies, do homework or shoot a three pointer during basketball practice.
I personally need to regain focus in our family during those hours. Our screens need to be located in a charging station away from all of the Wanderer-screen-zombie-eyes.
5. Move for 30 Minutes Each Day.
No matter how tired I may feel… for thirty minutes each evening (or morning), go on a walk, swing a kettle bell or jump on the trampoline with the kids. The adrenaline is magic and the health benefits are glorious.
6. Be Kind.
2016 was an insane year of rude. Anger and arrogance seemed to be the chief operating officers of these United States. The political arena seemed to drive people to irrational behavior. Let’s make the new year different. For the sake of the upcoming generation that’s watching us, let’s be extravagant with our kindness in 2017.
7. Use the Crockpot More Often.
Because who doesn’t like to walk home to a yummy smelling house with dinner already done and prepared? Amen and Hallelujah.
(If you are an Instant Pot Person, more power to you. I can’t fit one more appliance in my already full cupboards).
Happy New Year, friends!
