We made it through another year of changes, trials, and loss, all while we never stopped growing, learning, and adapting. Finding ways to navigate through this life of unknowns and still find ways to enjoy what we love is a challenge that we have accepted.
Book a Family Vacation in 2022 (even in the offseason)
This year our family enjoyed a September vacation to South Dakota. Taking ten days away from life and enjoying family time in a place we had never been was refreshing and relaxing. We were very fortunate that the weather was as great as our experience. Booking cabins to stay along our way not only helped break up the drive but also allowed us time to enjoy what each place had to offer. The invested time was worth every minute, and we are excited to book a similar vacation later this year.
Reschedule those appointments. If not now, when?
If you canceled or missed appointments in 2020 or 2021, get those items back on your calendar! Don’t forget to be patient; many businesses may still be limiting appointment times or have restrictions or accommodations to meet the needs of all patrons.
This year, I chose self-care as a priority. I ended my postnatal care checkups and moved on to mental health maintenance with a local therapist covering more of my needs beyond the familiar. Working with my team has increased my knowledge and helped ensure that I am my best self. I am a work in progress; I have plenty of battles to choose from, and as a mom, that is something that I am learning not to be horrible at.
Show your Support! (Our kids need us.)
The school year is still not “normal,” but we are doing it. We have been back at the gyms for some sports and in an auditorium with others for vocal and orchestra concerts. We scheduled and attended in-person conferences and have been back in the classrooms for the year.
It is not easy, but we have to parent the best for ourselves and our family while encouraging our children to grow. Life is changing every moment.
Try something new in 2022
My focus on self-care and discovery has continued with a small online presence over various social media platforms. Becoming part of something bigger than myself is refreshing.
Cedar Rapids Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: My journey this year has been eye-opening. I have taken on a support role for local moms who have experienced PPAnxiety and PPDepression and beyond. Motherhood is hard and best understood by others who have had similar experiences.
Cedar Rapids Moms: I am also trying my skills as a mom blog writer. It’s definitely outside my comfort zone, but I feel like the more you write, the better chance you have at finding your voice and your audience. Finding my style and writing personality is still a work in progress, but I am enjoying the process (not to mention the benefits!)
Right or Wrong doesn’t matter. Keep going!
I skipped the resolutions on January one because I have never been disciplined enough to keep them, or rather the resolutions that I was making were already doomed from the start. (One xample is paying bills on time but rolling my December bills into January because of Christmas.) Instead, over the last couple of years, I have grown to appreciate reflections as a place of discovery and success. Look at what you have done; if it’s working, continue on and if it’s not, let it go.
Cheers to a beautiful 2022!
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