As a new year begins, so does a new chapter in your families book. Saying goodbye to the year past and welcoming a new one, allows us to reevaluate our priorities. From health, fitness, relationships to trying to read more books, there is something about a new year and a fresh start pushes us to be brave and start something new.
I was recently asked myself what my word for 2018 would be? To be completely honest, this notion of a theme word caught me off guard because I had no idea this was a 'thing'. Although I love the idea, I had to sit back and meditate on this for several days.
What word could be important enough to hold onto throughout the year?
What word would be special enough to frame my whole year and push me to be a better me?
After days of contemplating and thinking of what my life currently looks like, I decided on a phrase instead of a word.
PRESSING PAUSE
I chose this phrase because it pushes me to make myself a priority. I love creating a home of solitude and safety for my husband and children. I love creating a space that is functional, organized and efficient. However, these aspects of my life consume me every day, and I have a really hard time turning them off…this is why I am pressing pause.
Whatever it looks like, I am choosing to give myself the freedom to do something for me every day. I see this as a walk by myself, a bubble bath or a coffee date with a good book. Whatever way it comes, a daily moment will be for me. In motherhood, we can tend to lose our sense of self while caring for everyone else. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my role as a wife and mother, but I have also learned that I can’t care for others if I don’t care for myself.
A Mother Of Littles
I chose this phrase because I’m a mother of little ones. My daughter is nearly 17 months old and is growing up so fast, too fast. She is learning new words every day and I can see her becoming more independent as each day passes…this is why I am pressing pause.
I am nearly 5 months pregnant with baby #2 and I am constantly thinking of what life will be like with two instead of sitting in the moment with my one…this is why I am pressing pause.
Instead of trying to document every little moment Millie and I have, I am choosing to press pause and take in the moment for just us.
I chose this phrase because I want to thrive in motherhood not just survive. A normal day basically consists of making food for a tiny human, potty training and folding clothes. It can be mundane, lonely and stressful all at the same time.
There are days I watch the clock and count down the hours until Alex comes home…this is why I am pressing pause. I don’t want to just survive my days, I want to savor them, and this is HARD.
This means I am choosing to pause and sit in the chaos of motherhood and not just survive through it.
My Theme, My Phrase
I chose this phrase for so many reasons, some I am sure I haven’t even realized yet. As silly as it may seem to choose a word or phrase to set the stage for your year ahead, I want to challenge you to do it!
If anything, it will give you a chance to re-prioritize what is important and that should be enough of a reason for you to try!
Happy New Year Mamas!
Abby is a first time Mom, and an amazing team member of Baja Baby. She lives in Colorado with her husband Alex, their beautiful daughter Amelia Grace, gorgeous baby boy Amos and Maple the dog. You can find Abby on Instagram by clicking here.
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