Be kind

I made a commitment to myself that I would write my blog at least once a week. I'm a little behind, but my mind is filled with baby stuff and work. And honestly, I feel a little repetitive. But I suppose life is a just a repetitive cycle of events. We make plans, life throws us a curve ball, and we readjust. Over and over. In the meantime we continue to make plans to eat better, exercise more, and get organized. Yet we still crave french fries, there's always an excuse not to go to the gym, and the filing cabinet is still a mess.

So this year, I didn't make my usual list of resolutions. I've just decided to be kinder and let life flow a little. I'm going to be kinder to others, more understanding, and more forgiving of myself. (See what pregnancy does...makes you all self reflective). These ideas were pressed into service this week when I was asked to give a lecture to graduating NP's on how to survive the first year out of school. As I reflected back over the past year and the multiple changes that have occurred the best piece of advice I came up with was to go on vacation. At least a mental vacation from all the demands we place on ourselves as we strive towards our various goals. Be kind to yourself, let the dishes sit in the sink so you can play with your kids, be proud of your accomplishments, and accept the compliments given to you.

So I wrote my presentation with that in mind. I'm not sure if that is what my boss wanted, but that's what I'm going with for my lecture. And I hope everyone is kind to themselves and allows for a little mental vacation this week. Life will repeat itself next week, hopefully with all the good moments from last week. And then we can put them in our blogs to remind ourselves to be kind and savor the good when it comes our way.