I’ve made and broken most every New Year’s Resolution I’ve ever made… or maybe I’m only recalling the ones that went down in flames. There were even years I refused to make resolutions because I knew they would only be broken, and why should I be waiting for the New Year to decide that things needed changing?!? But, the truth is, I like the ritual of it all. I love the idea 
of a fresh slate being brought to us every year; of a renewed hope, a chance to make things right or better. A date that everyone around the world may actually be trying to find and be the best of themselves for as long as they can.
This year, I’m Cleaning Up My House. That’s my New Year’s Resolution.
I’m not talking about my “home”, I’m talking about my House. My Life. The things that need to be done, need attending to… things I’ve been putting off, the ideals, the “I wish I could’s” and the “If I had more time’s”, and the “I’ll start at the New Year’s”… those things. Because, quite frankly I’m tired of wishing I could get things done, or wishing I could feel good in my own skin, or wishing that I could become the person I feel like I want to be.
So, the short of my New Year’s Resolution is, I’m Cleaning Up My House.
The Long:
- Drinking more water – not necessarily less coffee, just more water
- Eating healthier – kinda
- Exercising a minimum of 2 – 3 times per week – even if it’s dancing with Kinect
- Feeling comfortable in my own skin – unless I can go find another ‘skin’ to fit in
- Getting my kids straightened out – now here’s a continuing list for you:
- OT for B
- Any other ‘therapies’ needed for B
- Vision Therapy for the boys a minimum of 3-4 times per week each
- Reading more with all kids
- More crafts and ‘writing books, etc’ with O
- Re-consider educational choices for all kids
- Consider private schooling for J
- Additional coverage of insurance / other for kids as needed
- Prism glasses for J
- Skin / allergy checks for kids
- Help B enjoy riding a bike
- Consider a specialized bike for J
- Help O find her “love” in art, swimming or something else
- Finish kid’s bedrooms
- Reorganize ‘play’ room
- Hang therapy swing for kids
- All closets organized – this will be cyclical… they’ll get organized, ruined, organized, re-ruined…
Do things when I say I’m going to – not late or rushed- Plan a trip for our 10 year anniversary – yes, this year is 10 years and I’m pretty sure we both deserve a warm beach and a drink
- Finish our bedroom – it looks like a dorm room
- Get rid of things we don’t actually need / use including blankets, sheets, towels, knickknacks – someone else needs them more than we do
- Stop killing my plants – or get fake ones; move plants away from my plant-eating cat who then vomits up the plant parts
- Finish ‘dressing’ the walls of our home – they’re modest and shy and don’t like being naked
- Give more support to the hubs in work and play – do more fun stuff with him, and send him out into the world to fish… or whatever it is he does
- Get my back stronger – because J is getting heavier
- Play more with my friends, host gatherings – laugh with them, a lot!
- Connect with family more – all family!
- Finish writing two of the books I’m working on – didn’t know that, did you?
- Actually put away laundry when it’s done – rather than constantly digging through piles of clean clothes and pretending that’s normal
- Get life insurance for myself – time to face the inevitable
- Finish a will and estate planning for all, especially J and his care – well, that’s a serious one, no joking around there.
… my 20 (or actually 36) tasks that will help me get my House in Order.
I’m sure I’ll be adding things as the year moves along. I’m absolutely positive I’ll fail miserably at some, but all will remain on my list until I’ve either succeeded or figured out they aren’t quite as important as I thought. Yes, the list is long. It’s the first year it’s been quite this length and I’m not sure what that really means.
What about you and yours? Do you have a list?
Gina St. Aubin
Gina this is my philosophy this year as well. I’m so third of stress, exhaustion and overall lack of a focus on my own health. I’m going to share such a great article
Can’t wait to read it Y’vonne!
Editor recently posted..Resolution: Get My House in Order
For our physical house we are doing Apartment Therapy’s January Cure this month. I am calling it facilitated nesting since we have a child due in March.
My only resolution this year is to be more vocal with my creative endeavors.
kia recently posted..Newness
I love that… “facilitated nesting”!
Editor recently posted..Resolution: Get My House in Order
Good luck on achieving your goals. They can be hard fought. I gave up on plants inside–and outside really–last year. My cats eat the indoor ones and I never take care of the outside ones. I let the weeds look like flowers.
Thanks Jennifer. My cat is indoor too. So far, I’ve found a way to place the plants he likes to chew out of his reach… even his jumping reach, with the exception of my huge bamboo… that ones going to take some real thinking!
Editor recently posted..Resolution: Get My House in Order
I have similar new years resolution. I probably have the same exact ones every year and never accomplish them. I think this is the year I finally get my goals accomplished!
I do too. One that I never do good with is recognizing every (extended) family member’s birthday. I scrapped that one this year and am just going to try to be in better contact. What’s one fo the ones you repeat every year?
Editor recently posted..Resolution: Get My House in Order
Getting organized is definitely on my top list this year. Living the military life, and when they say u be moving, u be moving. So it’s out with the clutter!
I can imagine less clutter and “stuff” would be helpful for the get up and move. How many times have you moved? Are you a pro at it yet?
Editor recently posted..Resolution: Get My House in Order
You are going to be busy this year! Good luck!
ROFL. That’s for sure!
Editor recently posted..Resolution: Get My House in Order
I need to work on some of my own things as well! Thanks for the motivation!
Thanks Chrystal. What will be one of your goals?
Editor recently posted..Resolution: Get My House in Order
I start a new years resolution and keep it for about a week, but this year getting things more organized is going to work.
Yes! You sound more than motivated!
Editor recently posted..Resolution: Get My House in Order
I really need to get my house in order, too…I have too much clutter, and not enough room…or time, or money, or energy…I hate resolutions.
ROFL. I hear ya!
Editor recently posted..Resolution: Get My House in Order
I DO have a list, I just started before reading your post. I’ve not called it resolutions, but an online goals list (biz focused), I’m up to #8, wondering what a reasonable list should be to begin the year. I’ll be like you and add to it, and likely not complete it. But I love how you describe your house and not your home. I share many of the same items for my house. Happy to help in any way I can – like on the wall dressing, I love to do that! Getting our kids & families together for more fun. Love that too!
Let’s do it!
Editor recently posted..Resolution: Get My House in Order
I love making goals for the year! I’m such a list maker that it makes my heart sing to list all of the things I want to do.
I like your list very much, some of our goals are very similar. I’m happy to offer support if you need accountability.
Connie Weiss recently posted..I Challenge YOU
Hi Connie…accountability is definitely a must-have for me. I saw your list and love it! We can keep each other in line!
Editor recently posted..Resolution: Get My House in Order
I need to do this too!
Julia Hendrix recently posted..Breaking the Nexus by Lindsay Avalon
so with you
If you achieve this please let me know! I need your secrets
Nasreen recently posted..How to Put Your Toddler to Bed
I know the list seems so insurmountable. But truly, I’ve already started knocking things off the list… Well… At least the plants are out of the cats way!