Friday, January 4, 2013

Striving for balance and giving up chocolate!

I have never made a New Years resolution. Ever!

It hadn't even crossed my mind to think that the end of 2012 would be any different. 


Until.... 


A facebook friend happened to make the following comment;


 "Hi there, as we rapidly approach the New Year & although normally I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions, I've been thinking about the habits I would like to change that could help with our RDI programme & general family life? How about you?"


This stopped me in my tracks. Habits? Crikey, I have a lot of habits and not all of them good! 


Of late I have been feeling dissatisfied with a number of lifestyle choices. My weight gain has been depressing me AND I know it is all because of my chocolate addiction. My son Nick (asd) also has food issues that need addressing. As for my fitness level. Well, lets just say that I start puffing if I have to walk up two flights of stairs! 


I am very aware that the relationship I have with my husband and my other son is not as it should be. I have no one to blame except circumstances. Phew, having a special needs child/teenager really upsets the apple cart! 


The focus does tend to be on the more vulnerable member of our family. How can it not? As for him, what do I want for him and where can I see us going? He is actually progressing so nicely and I know that I want that to continue.


There is also the matter of having some *me time*. Okay, okay, we are on school holiday at the moment and *me time* is quite hard to squeeze in. What about the rest of the year?


Anyhow, after mulling over my options for 2013, I came up with the following four (short and sweet) goals.... don't want to go to overboard you know!


*  I want to start taking care of my own health and also lose the extra kg's that I have put on! 


*  Spend more quality time with my husband. 


*  My focus for Nick will be to continue being mindful about my parenting and to always bear in mind the *edge plus one* concept.


* Take the time to really listen to my first born and also guide him to be more independent!


It shouldn't be a problem trying to balance it all (cough, splutter, rolling of eyes!).


As for the chocolate, I will think about that habit tomorrow......



P.S. I have booked my *me time*. I am going to an Autism Conference in Ireland to listen to Temple Grandin. Woo-hoo, can't wait! :-)


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Di blogs about Autism and teenagers over at the Bright Side of Life. 

17 comments:

  1. Very reasonable and attainable aims Di, and glad you're leaving the chocolate bit for now!. 'I have no one to blame but circumstancess ' SO glad you said circumstance because that's exactly it... well said!

    xx Jazzy

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  2. =). I like that your goals all have to do with your family - one with each of you in mind... and the whole family will benefit. What is edge plus one?

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  3. Wonderful post Di! I am not one who believes in resolutions either, but I think it is always great to think about how to keep things moving in a positive direction and these are all great things to aspire to. Good luck!

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  4. @Jazzy ~ ...and circumstances dictate that I NEVER give up chocolate, ever! :) Thank you for your comment. x

    @rhemashope ~ Yes, I was aiming for balance. Edge plus one is taking the child to the edge of his/her competence and then ONE tiny step more.. This is how Nick continues to progress.

    @Floortime ~ Thank you. :)

    @Danele ~ Thanks so much for your comment. It certainly helps to have some goals in place in order to move forward. Lets just hope I follow through!!

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