A new year is approaching...

Another year end approaches, and you are one of two people; the ones who are happy with this past year and hoping for another great year, OR, you hated everything about this past year, can count the good things on one hand and are ready and hopeful that a new year means something better. I am the second person. Not because the year was a horrible, and I can probably count my blessings on two hands instead of one, but the health troubles and big adjustments in the house and family have worked its toll and I am ready for more peace this upcoming year.

Instead of making a list of resolutions that I will probably fail after a week then feel even worse because I rarely complete anything, I have made a list of things to remind myself the things I'd like to work on.

I wonder how many of you out there are like me and just want to be a better person. Your life and what happens in it is not always under your control, but how you receive it and what you do with it, is. So make the most of it because you only have one chance at life. And it is short.

2013 Challenges: Note to Self

1. Be a Great Mom.
- Be more patient
- Get him to bed without you, and stay there. Even if it takes a little tough love
- Learn about tough love and how to control the sobbing when he's crying for Mommy to come in there
- Be more fun; think and come up with new things to do as often as possible to stimulate his senses
- Don't yell so much.  You're easily worked up and it comes out as yelling, this does nothing for either of us and just makes you both feel horrible.
- Don't sweat the small stuff, pick your battles. He's 2, and there will be days he wants nothing to do with you, so enjoy the fact he wants you to play 24/7.
- Do more learning activities, he's smart, and learns well so take advantage of that.

2. Be Healthy.
- You are sick, keep that in mind and listen to your body.
- If you are tired - take a break. Even 5 minutes and a few deep breaths can do wonders, you know this.
- Eat better. This doesn't just help you but teaches your son healthy eating habits.
- Exercise. Not to become some model in a magazine, but to make yourself feel better and have more energy.
- Try new recipies and keep those kidneys healthy.
- Get some rest
- Don't be so hard on yourself that you can't do what you used to. 1. You're older and 2. You have a disease that means sometimes you just have to slow down.

3. Get your Finances in order.
- You had a hard year, missed 3 months of pay and somehow in the last 3 years things got away from  you. You have a great job and can get this under control.
- Your son does not need every toy that he sees.
- Save money for a rainy day, or in your history, a few sick ones. You just never know.
- Start now!
- Make your lunches and bring your coffee, this will save you lots.

4. Be honest, even if it is hard.
- When you don't like something someone does or says to you, tell them. Otherwise don't expect it to
get better.

5. Take time to spend with family/friends
- It's hard to get time off and have money to travel, but every penny spent will be worth it.

6. Don't be so hard on yourself.
- You are one person, you can't do it all. Let people help you!!!!
- Don't be so disappointed in people who let you down, it's life, move on. The longer you stay stuck on it, the more time you're wasting being unhappy.
- Not everything is your fault, everyone has the ability to have a happy life and you cannot fix everything for everyone.
- You are one person, work and live that way. You cannot do everything at once. This is why you got sick I swear!

7. Get smarter.
- Take some courses, this will help you at work and with your finances. Win win.

8. Travel.
- Even if it's somewhere you've already been, go. This past year you spent either in a hospital or stuck at home, enjoy yourself.

9. Help others more.
- WHEN it is not because you feel you have to, but want to and have both the time and energy to do
so. Don't stress when you can't do everything for everyone all the time.
- People who truly care about you will understand when you just can't do things sometimes.

10. Be happy.
- Follow the above and enjoy. You deserve it. Everyone does.
- Nothing worthwhile is ever easy, so work for it and when it comes enjoy your work has paid off.

I hope that everyone can find some ways to improve their life if they feel they are not currently living the way they want. Good Luck to you all and remember to put yourself first, at the end of the day it's up to you to make things happen.
R.