15 Things for 2015

As the moment of 2015 opening are upon us, the second semester of school begins for kids and winter is baring down on so many of us, I found myself deep in thought on many issues, some bigger than others. In the early days of this barely here year, I saw so many posts, blogs, etc. pointing to resolutions for 2015. Not being one for resolutions, per se, I thought I would put out instead a list of things at the forefront of my consciousness- and what I want us to talk about and deal with all year long. So, albeit a bit random,  here goes. 

1. I want to be a better, more patient mom. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff with W and K. 

2. Anxiety is REAL and is not simply about someone choosing not to refusing to do something. It is debilitating and deserves our respect and attention. 

3. All kids could use more social/emotional resources in schools. I tend to think we do a pretty good job, locally, with the kids who require special education services, but less for those who wouldn't meet those criteria. 

4. Another half marathon on my calendar doesn't mean I am gunning for greater speed, gearing up for a full marathon or planning to advance in Tri distance. Just another way to show my kids I can do something that scares me. 

5. Depression is REAL and is not simply about a lack of motivation. It is debilitating and deserves our respect and attention. 

6. Women can be better to each other. We can all judge less, accept difference regardless of age. 

7. OCD is not always about clean hands. It is far more complicated, and should be treated that way. 

8. Junior high and middle school are legitimately some of the ugliest times in a person's life. We as adults should be paying attention, be aware and hold kids accountable. 

9. We and our children could all do better about taking responsibility for our behaviors and accept consequences of our choices. Life happening is not always someone else's fault. 

10. "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." Maya Angelou

11. "Today, me will live in the moment, unless it is unpleasant then me will eat a cookie." Cookie Monster

12. Let go of the toxic and be more than you think. 

13. Quality can be (and usually is) far more important than quantity, especially in relationships. 

14. "No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than the opposite." Nelson Mandela

15. We can make every day amazing, even if the amazing moment is small. 

Make this year another year where we all embrace our best selves and live every moment to its fullest. What others think is not important- what we feel about ourselves is what matters.