Sunday, December 30, 2012

Eliminate

Well, Howdy!

It turns out that I continue to live and breath. It occurred to me the other day, that if I were going to continue to tell people that I author 5 blogs...that perhaps I should, um...actually blog in them. You see, I live to please and I don't know that I even have anything to say. Not that I don't have anything going on in my life or anything. Christmas was good and a whole lot less stressful than it usually is.

So, how did I manage that? Well, let's see first I eliminated everything that stresses me out. I didn't send out Christmas cards...um, at all this year. I didn't do any holiday baking either (although I will be restocking Mr. Gluten-free's freezer this week with his goodies). I made a few things, but nothing like I normally do. Sheesh, one year I made all the holiday ornaments, wrapping paper, stockings...and it's not that I didn't love, love how it all turned out (because it was fabulous!), I just couldn't do the stress this year. And you know what? Christmas turned out perfect and simple and I was able to enjoy my family and myself and now that it's over, I can stop feeling guilty for everything I wasn't able to do. ;)


What's in store for 2013? You all know I don't believe in New Year's resolutions (I'm more of an improve yourself daily person), but I would like to share what I've learned for 2012:

1. I am my biggest critic. 

I really don't care what you think, I struggle much more with what I think. The beginning of 2012 was really rough and I was really concerned about making it to 2013 myself. I really scared myself (and some other wonderful people who I love) and once I recovered, I knew I had to change my internal dialogue. Instead of thinking, "Why doesn't anyone care how I feel?" I changed it to. "Jessica, seriously, no one cares how you feel."  It may sound a little harsh, but it works and I think I'm better for it. I no longer get caught up with how people should act or feel and practice what I preach and just accept them for who they are. And live my own life. Mine. Not yours. Not my kid's or my man's, just mine. You can't expect other people to ever make you be happy. Nope. Your happiness is entirely up to you, period.

2. Say "I love you" daily.

We cannot foresee the future and no one has a crystal ball. Who is to say that the people who are important in your life might not be there tomorrow? Right, they may not be. My kids hear it from me everyday and my man as well. I don't just say it out of habit either, I mean it. I catch people off guard and when I do, it's okay, they'll get over it ;)

3. You can't make people love you.

Nor would I want to really! I figure if life is meant to be and you were meant to be in it, then it will work itself out like it's supposed to. Love yourself first, the rest will work itself out. I am a huge dork. I love loud socks and converse sneakers. I have a sick sense of humor too. You know what? I'm good with all of this and I can put up with him too. Yep, I think we'll easily last another 9 years ;)

4. Don't take yourself seriously.

Trust me, if I have to laugh at myself. I am really dumb some days too. I know I talk big like I have the answers, but turns out I am pretty clueless and provide endless entertainment for my kids and man with the dumb things I say and do. "Would you turn on the heat seater for me too please?" Cuz, that's how I roll. :P

5. Live for today.

My idea of bliss some days is just getting a nap. I know, I know the idea of "living for today" is to be out adventuring and seeing the world. Hey, I can't help it if I am more interested in reading a book and sleeping in... that's my idea of living. Boring, I know but it makes me happy and when I have a chance to that...you better believe I'm going to take it! ;)