Photo Love {Inspiration}: Setting Goals via Imaan Hammam for Vogue January 2016

Melody Beattie

Vogue January 2016

What are your resolutions for this year?

Mine are usually the same every year – become healthier, eat better, and fulfill myself professionally.  My resolutions are similar this year.  Basically I want to be the best version of myself and that’s something I strive to do every day (even if it’s in small ways).  But now that I’m a mom and a busy wife, I also want to make the most of the time that I have with my family.  I try to spend time with the little lady every morning. I also always have jam packed weekends with the husband and little one.

But as my husband would tell me, I wasn’t always present when I’ve been with my family.  I worry about catching up with work, maintaining something in our apartment, or cleaning up from the whirlwind that is our daughter.  Since my daughter’s crazy trip and dehydration a few weeks ago, I’ve really tried to make a concerted effort to be present for her.  I’m putting the phone and computer down when she’s around (or at least occupied) and just generally trying to have more fun with her.  I most recently read “Happiest Toddler on the Block” and have been trying to institute more time-ins where I can focus on her whether we’re horsing around or I’m showing her some of her toys.  It’s been working so far and I’m happy with the story I’m writing for this year.  I’ve also been reading “10% Happier” which explores a journalist’s own journey towards reducing stress and finding a way towards his personal happiness.  Quite a few of the wellness gurus he spoke to talked about being truly present and not being phased by the chains of the past and worries about the future…which is pretty hard to practice in reality.  I’m trying to do that bit by bit with my body and family.  We write our own stories so I’ll keep on working towards a happy one.

Have a lovely week!