New Year's Resolutions

You can run, but you can’t hide…yes, Y-O-U. You who promised to go to the gym more. You who swore to lay off the caffeine. You who pledged to eat healthier and floss after every meal. You who proclaimed that you would stop dropping the “F” bomb (oh, wait…that was me last year). None of you can hide from the New Year’s resolutions that you promised yourself, but yet, somehow just didn’t maintain. They will find you. They will riddle you will guilt and leave you with a feeling of incompetence.

I feel for you. I genuinely do. I, too, have work, family, and life demands that make it virtually impossible to maintain any semblance of a New Year’s resolution.

That’s why, this year I decided that I wouldn't just scoff at the New Year’s resolution concept. I decided that failing by mid February was not acceptable…I would embrace the New Year’s resolution concept. And exploit the hell out of it.

And embrace it, I did. Except this year, I decided to apply the New Year’s resolution in a way that I felt was mutually beneficial. I felt, after 34 years of disappointing the New Year’s resolution Gods, I would resolutely identify a resolution that I could not only adhere to, but a resolution that would lead to greater family harmony and peace.

That is why…on July 15th I am delighted to report that I have steadfastly maintained my New Year’s resolution.

And what was this impossible task, you ask? Well… I decided this year NOT to focus on the extra 20 pounds, the lack of patience with my kids, my incessant use of the “F” word. Nope. This year, I decided to focus on something that would lead to a happy mom and wife.

I decided that this year my New Year’s resolution would focus on one thing and one thing alone:

My New Year’s resolution was to accessorize.

And, boy, have I ever. Since January I have invested in fun jewelry, funky and sassy shoes and, of course, purses. Now, I know what you are thinking…sounds expensive. But, I have found a way to do this all on a budget.

Seems strange? Well…let me explain.

I wanted to focus on something that would make me feel cute, fun, and sexy. Sure…weighing 125 pounds would do that, but at what cost? I wanted to choose something that I could control. Time to go to the gym or hit the bike path…What, are you kidding? I have 2 kids under four, I don’t own my time. And, let’s be real…the “F” word…well, I just wouldn’t be Amanda without that.

So, as crazy as it sounds, the New Year’s resolution to accessorize has been my greatest resolution achievement to date. It has given me permission to spoil myself in a limited (and budget-friendly way). It has boosted my self-confidence and sassiness quotient. And, best of all…it is a resolution that I can stick to.

So, even though it is only July 15th, I challenge all moms, wives, partners, bosses, employees, carpool drivers, troop leaders, whatever...set a mid-year resolution that does something great for you. Something you can stick to. Something with sparkles.