It’s that time.

The new year is here and I didn’t choose a one word theme.

And No New Years resolution.

2020 was undoubtedly the hardest year for my family and probably for most of you reading this.

Let’s just say this year was meant to break us.

BUT IT DIDN’T.

As I sit here typing this with tears in my eyes, I can’t help but reflect on the past ten months.

I never realized how much weight I carry on my shoulders and the overwhelming pressure I put on myself as a mother.

The to do lists, the school work, my job, the planning, the therapies, the appointments, the house work.

Friends, the list is never ending.

But unless we change how we navigate these things, they will continue to drown us in a sea of anxiety and tears.

We’ve overcome so much over this past year and the things I’m learning have been life changing.

I’m learning how to say no and not waste my time or energy on things that don’t bring me joy.

I’m learning that not EVERYTHING I say or do requires an explanation or needs justified.

I’m learning that it’s OK to take a step back and ask for a break when I need to.

I’m learning to seek help and make myself a priority.

I’m learning to LET GO.

Let go of the expectations.

Let go of the guilt.

Let go of the need for approval or validation from others.

Let go of things and people in my life that make me doubt myself or feel unworthy.

This year, I merely survived.

And I fought like hell.

I’m setting boundaries and giving myself grace as I step into the new year.

No more self sabotage.

No more putting myself at the bottom of the To-Do list.

This year I’m going to keep fighting for me.

I will put the pieces back together one by one until I’m whole again.

I will accept the things I cannot change.

I will be more patient with myself.

I will find balance in the chaos.

I will stop beating myself up and remember the strength and hope that lies deep within my soul.

I will be kinder and more loving towards myself and work on it every day.

I will be intentional about how I spend my time and energy.

Let’s make this the year that mothers and caregivers start making themselves a priority.

Because we deserve that my friends.

We all do.