fresh start

As I'm about to start a new school year, I've been thinking how each year is a fresh start. You start with a clean slate and are able to set goals for yourself. A lot of people like to make New Year's resolutions, but I think you can do this anytime of the year. Here are some things that I'd like to do this school year:

• Be on time. I was always on time for work the first few years here. Even after I had my son and the extra challenge of taking a baby with me everyday, I was still punctual. But last year wasn't like that. It all started because of driver problems, and by the 2nd half of the year, I just got into the bad habit of being late. Being on time equals less stress!
• Sleep well. This was also part of my late problem. I was not sleeping enough and had so much trouble trying to wake up every morning. I want to go to bed early and wake up early feeling refreshed and ready to start a brand new day.
• Be even more organized. This is one of my good traits, but I want to be even more organized this year. I want to be on top of all things within my home and at work.
• Spend more time with hubby. I miss him. Sometimes people get so busy with work and kids that they need to take time to reconnect. I want to take time to watch a movie, play a game, or just hang out and talk about anything other than work.
• Pause and breathe in as much of my son as I can. He is at such a wonderful age. He's funny, smart, creative, loving, wild, and enchanting all at once. I love his mind. I'm in awe of him. I want to soak these days all up. Time goes so fast. I don't want to look back and feel that I took these years for granted. I love just talking to my little guy. One of my favorite things this week has been riding in the car to and from work with him. He and I talk about all kinds of things. These moments are precious and I'm truly grateful for them.
• Make time for me. I want to take more bubble baths, go to the spa, relax and watch some TV, or just do a little shopping, alone. We have to take care of ourselves in order to take care of those we love.
• Accomplish large goals. We've had a list forever of things we need to do in our home. It's time we get to it.
• Keep in touch with family. I think my family and I have done really well with the long distance thing, but I'd like more connection. There are many people in my family going through difficult times, I want them to know that I care.
• Take more time for religion. I do my five prayers everyday but I'd like to take a little time out everyday to read some Quran.
• Breathe. I don't want to sweat the small stuff. I want to be confident in who I am (which means not worrying what others are thinking/saying). I want to be relaxed about things at work and here at home. I want to be thankful for the blessings I have and know that people have far worse things to get upset about. I'm very fortunate and never want to lose sight of that.

I'm actually looking forward to this year. A lot of weird things have happened this past year. A new fresh start with some realistic goals sounds pretty good about now. Have a wonderful day and believe in yourself! :-)