The thing about resolutions is that they are really easy to write down. Even easier to say. But sticking to them is the hard part. The New York Times even recently published an article about the science of why it’s so hard.

I’m not one to typically set resolutions. It’s the word: RESOLUTION. It sounds so grand, like the word should be accompanied with trumpets blaring. But this year, my resolution, my goal, is to try to gain better perspective. On everything. By doing that I’ll be a little easier on myself, which is really the bigger goal. If I’m happier, everyone will be happier.

The kids did what I asked but not the way I wanted them to? Let it go, it’s fine. Didn’t save quite as much this year as we hoped? Yeah, we did take that trip though, definitely worth it. We’ll kick it into gear this year. Kids fighting with each other? Absolutely, but less as they get older, and the moments of happiness between them are getting longer. The perspective I’m striving for is one where I’m ok with how things get done, even if it’s not how I would do it. It might seem like a small thing, but when that small thing is a constant in every-day life, it’s not so small.

It’s as if I’m fighting with myself. How ridiculous is that?

Here’s what I’m going to do. Every time I get that feeling where I’m getting frustrated, where I know I’m going to say something. I’m going to pause. I’m going to walk away if I have to. I’m going to take a breath and let it go. Don’t worry, I’m still parenting, things won’t be willy-nilly in our house, but it doesn’t have to be my way or the highway either. There has to be some middle ground, I just need to find it.

So that’s my resolution for 2018, how about you?