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.