Another year begins

A new year.  With David away for the week I spent my first New Years Eve on my own in a while. 

I didn't stay up until midnight.  Instead I sent Dave a text at 11 and went to bed.  It is strange without Nicholas and David in the house.  I think I can understand why old women in nursing homes are fidgety in the afternoons, without children to pick up, dinner to prepare... being out of the usual routine.  The time alone with Audrey is lovely though.  Tomorrow I will take her to buy her school uniform.  Next week she has a couple of sessions at gymnastics.  We painted each others nails today. (I opted for a light colour!!) 

It is natural to think of new years resolutions at this time.  Everything I feel in my bones for this year leads to the desire to have a calm spirit.  I know one thing I have determined in my heart to do, which means more to me than anything else. Stop. Yelling. 

I want to be more intentional about my parenting.  I feel that last year I was constantly swept up in the busyness of "life".
I also need to start going to bed earlier.
I'd like to read three books from my own bookshelf that I haven't taken the time to read yet.  Starting with this new one.

Some big things there, but all revolve around the need to be disciplined when it comes to emotions.  There is more I could say here, but I'll leave that for another time.

* * *

Maggie will be in her cot in her own room in a couple of weeks.  Exciting times.

Me. This year.

I have no great expectations. Just to draw close to my family. Be kinder to myself. And read a whole lot more.

thoughts for the year

i finally had a bit of time to think about what resolutions i'd like to make for the new year. some i liked and borowed from others, some are my own. but on the whole i'd just like to live with greater kindness, happiness and genuine commitment.