What’s Your New Year’s Resolution?

Dec 29, 2010 by Peggy Nolan

New Year’s Resolutions start out with a bang but usually end up in either the physical or mental trash can. Our resolutions are usually too grand, too big, over ambitious, and unreachable. We like immediate results and many of us are too comfortable in our routine to shake things up.

Change is not easy, but it’s not hard either. Lasting change takes consistent effort, daily practice, and determination. As my martial arts instructor says, “Habits we train are habits we gain.”

In your stepmom life, what habits have you trained? Are your habits based in Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt? Are you in constant reaction mode? Are you living in the shadow of the ex-wife? Are you manipulated by your stepkids? Do you ruminate and obsess over your husband’s ex-wife? Do you lament “not being first?” Are you unsure of yourself, your role, and your responsibilities? Are you making choices and decisions based in fear? Are you pointing fingers and blaming others for the circumstances you find yourself in? Are you stuck in stepmartryland? Are you stressed to the max trying to live your life based on the expectations of others?

Change doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it’s a process not an event. I have twelve monthly lessons for you to reflect on, practice, and incorporate into your daily life. Each month I will expand on the lesson with an article in StepMom Magazine, theme based radio shows, forum dicussions, and homework assignments.

• January ~ Be Yourself
• February ~ Be an Observer
• March ~ Mind Your Mind
• April ~ Be Curious
• May ~ Necessary Conversations
• June ~ Don’t Take It Personally
• July ~ Think, Speak, and Act with Integrity
• August ~ Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude
• September ~ Focus on Forgiveness
• October ~ Accept What Is
• November ~ Your Life is Your Choice
• December ~ Always Do Your Best

Coming to The Stepmom’s Toolbox in 2011: A PRIVATE Online Learning Community! A place where stepmoms can learn, grow, and become mentors of other stepmoms.

Have you signed up for Six Weeks to a New You: From Survive to Thrive? You have until 12/31/10 to register for the no-brainer cost of $59!