New Years Resolutions...or...Things I Should Already Be Doing

I have a lot of BIG plans for 2013. Mostly, it all boils down to me really getting it together and doing the things I should ALREADY be doing.

Sounds simple right? Yet every year I make resolutions, set goals and they always (ALWAYS) seem to revolve around the things that other people just DO as part of their day-to-day existence. Cooking, cleaning, taking care of myself and keeping the family happy and content. Most days I can manage one or two of those things...but never ALL of them...especially not on the same day!

So I'm taking a different approach this year. I'm going to really KEEP TRACK of what I'm doing (or more often not-doing), on a daily basis. See what works, what motivates me, what "sticks" and just keep plugging away. This blog is going to be a big part of that process. I'm putting it all out there. It's not going to be pretty (literally and figuratively...I have no design talents so this is going to be bare bones ya'll!)

One thing it WILL be...honest. If I'm going to make meaningful and lasting change I know that I have to stop kidding myself and making excuses. People ask me all the time how I have time to do everything...really I don't...I only do certain things...the things that are gratifying and bring me enjoyment. Folding laundry, organizing, vacuuming...all that jazz...has just never been at the top of my list. We don't live in a hovel by any means...but I'm constantly overwhelmed by the chaos involved with all of our "stuff".

Which brings me to my first challenge! After really taking-in the mound of Christmas gifts that came into our house this year, I was shocked! There is absolutely NO way my two little kiddos NEED all of that "stuff". I'm a big part of the blame. I never feel like enough is really enough. Why is that? I know as parents we want to give our kids everything we can, but I really want to focus on making LESS mean MORE this year. I want my kids to value experiences over "things" and, at the end of the day, I'd rather be giving them my time than my money.

I came across the concept of The Compact here. Basically, you make a commitment to not buy anything NEW for one whole year. You can make your own rules so it works for your family, but the idea is to really evaluate what you're buying and why. Try to relearn the difference between what you want and what you really need. We've lost sight of this, me especially. I've always been a collector and my husband is constantly shaking his head at the stuff I bring home. It's all too much.

photo: editrrix

The Goals of the Compact (reposted from The Family Sponge)

• to go beyond recycling in trying to counteract the negative global environmental and socio-economic impacts of U.S. consumer culture, to resist global corporatism, and to support local businesses, farms, etc.
• to reduce clutter and waste in our homes
• to simplify our lives

 Exceptions (these are our personal exceptions...you can modify it to work for your family)
-Food
-Health and Safety Items
-Household and Automotive Expenses/Repairs
-Undergarments
-Cleaning Supplies
-Services such as movies, entertainment, museums, haircuts.

We're committing to ONE MONTH of The Compact challenge. It's a start, and I'm hoping that once we get to the month-mark we'll keep going...maybe re-up for a few more?

I know this is going to be an interesting little journey and I'm hoping we learn a lot. I hope some of you will follow us and maybe find a little inspiration (or at least comic relief)!

~Audrey