This time of year everyone always stops and looks back at the past year: what happened in their lives, what went right, what went wrong, what do they want to change, etc. My question is, why is it that most do this only at the end of each year? Should we all be doing this regularly, evaluating our progress on our individual resolutions or goals, reviewing life plans, etc.?

I am a fan of goal setting, and while I have never truly formalized anything, I always have an idea of where I want to be in one month, three months, one year, 5 years, and so on. I do regular check ins as well, to be sure that I will attain those goals, and to see how things are going. If something is not working, I take a look at the problem and decide if it is a one-off issue, or identify something more systemic that needs to be changed. I am not afraid to make a small change if it will affect the bigger picture, and while I will make large changes (I have made several LARGE changes this year), I prefer to do some more homework to see if it will be the correct decision to reach my desired results.

So, at the end of 2019, as we prepare to enter the 20s, first of all, I’m shocked that 1990 is almost 30 years ago; where has the time gone?! Secondly, I’m realizing that I truly do not care if my decisions for how to live my life upset others or they do not understand or they just don’t approve of it. Now, I’ve never been one to worry about others thoughts of me, but I have taken it into consideration when making choices.

Now that I’m a mother, I truly do not care anymore. If I do not want my toddler eating sugar and cookies and bread and biscuits and all the other food that “all toddlers only eat,” then my child will not be eating those things. I will provide for Little Man in the way I see fit, and trust me, it is not just because I heard about some new fad diet. No, this is based on a few years worth of research and listening to testimonies of adults who have gone to this lifestyle of eating, and, frankly, I’m sick and tired of constantly being surrounded by bread and sweets and all the “good tasting” foods that just do nothing for me and my son. I have also noticed that his temperament truly changes when he gets sugar, whether it be one M&M or several animal crackers or half a bagel. I don’t want a raging beast of a toddler, especially not with him turning 2 in a few months. If I can control his temperament through his food, then I will. When I avoid the breads and sugars, I do not feel like I am walking through a fog, and I also am so much healthier. I do not have to fight off colds or other illnesses with extra Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Elderberry syrup; my body is healthy and strong enough without the additional support. If I want something sweet, I have local honey I can enjoy; plus, that spoonful of honey helps with my allergies, and I don’t have to turn to Claritin or Zyrtec or any of the other OTC medications almost everyone out there is taking.

I also want to be sure that I am able to keep up with Little Man, and I want Squatch to do the same. He is on board with me and this plan, but he will take a bit more work to maintain the program. Neither one of us is in prime health mode, and we both know it, but we want to be here in 20, 30, 50 years for our son, and by starting now, today, at this moment, we can be sure that we will be here for him in the future.

Now, we have our health taken care of, and as of today, we are in a much better place, health-wise than we were last summer; this is a result of better eating and being more active. Neither one of us is stuck behind a desk for 8-9 hours per day, we could do better with the sugar and grains, but we have been cutting those back again so it will not be too much of a shock when they are completely eliminated.

Financially, yes, I wish we were in a better place, but that is a work in progress, and truly, is anyone ever happy with their financial situation? We are almost debt free, which is amazing, but it is still somewhat far off. I am not currently working, instead staying home and raising Little Man, but I have some ideas up my sleeve for consulting I can do to bring in some additional money. We have also left the Chicago-land area, which has such a high cost of living, and moved to the Northwoods, which has allowed us to maintain my staying at home. If need be, I could always find a part-time job a few days a week just to get out and about, but it is not absolutely required right now.

As a family, it has not been the easiest year, with a lot of changes going from a 2-person income down to 1, two major moves, and just the day to day crap that we all have to deal with. I am lucky to have a great partner in Squatch. We are not afraid to have those difficult conversations with each other, and will also call the other one out when that person is being irrational. But, we do not go to be angry with each other, and we have productive conversations. We also support the decisions the other makes, and are our biggest cheerleaders. It is not always easy, but trust me, talk to your partner, speak up when you see a change that could be made to improve your situation, and just be that silent support that may be needed.

This year, yeah, it’s been difficult. But you know what? 2020 is going to be better. Tomorrow will be better than today. That’s my mentality, and when I look at life from this perspective, then I know that not only will things get better, but I know we will come out on top!