Proud Mama

I have always had a tendency to be over analytical. Interestingly, I tend to over analize the mundane...a $200 vacuum purchase, the best dog food for Dottie, which programs to DVR. I analyze myself too but not as routinely. It tends to bore me or I get too overwhelmed and end up doing something else entirely.

Once again I find myself, as I usually do close to my birthday, analytizing myself. How can I improve? Where do I "need work"? Criticism is something I have easily given myself in the past. Such a nasty habit. See...there I go...criticizing my criticism.

I would say that 32 was a big year for me...Bishop was born. Do life events get any bigger than the birth of a child? So, I didn't spend a lot of time focusing on "me". And, that was fine even important. An infant needs nurturing, love, attention, food, a clean butt....not a lot of time left over for self reflection. A new year...a new leaf. Not that Bishop won't be an absolute priority for me. Obviously, I will continue to mother in every sense of the word. But, I am more than a mother. I am me. Me who enjoys legal dramas on TV, anything cheesy (literally...the dairy kind), springtime, the grocery store, driving around with no destination...me.

So, as I approach my 33rd year with optimism and grace, I am challenging myself to be proud of me! No criticism just praise. What do I like about me? What do I find interesting about me? Fun about me? This is the year of me. My comeback as the TMZ's of the world would call it...

I am proud...
that I finished college.
that I have a successful marriage.
that I have a great relationship with my parents and appreciate them more and more everyday.
that I have a home.
that my hubby and I live below our means.
that we will be debt free by my 34th birthday.
that I went on a volunteer retreat all by myself.
that I quite smoking 3+ years ago.
that I am a "go to girl" at work.
that I completed my MIRM designation.
that I push myself into situations I am uncomfortable with .... speaking in front of others.
that I was successful on Weight Watchers once and lost 55 lbs.
that I tried to have a natural childbirth even if the midwife and doc had other plans.
that I am honest.
that I am a good mom.
that I had a life before I was married that I can look back on with no regrets.
that I am an American.
that I don't get sucked into trends or fads.
that I can bake a cheesecake.
that I have good decorating skills.
that I am a quick learner.
that I read to Bishop.
that I have a good sense of humor.

that I continue to try and improve.....

Here's to a fabulous year that I can be proud of!