As moms, we have many things on our plates so we don’t need more lists of to-do’s. Instead of creating resolutions this New Year, what if we resolved to shifting some of our mindsets in 2017? This word “shift” proposes a step, whether large or small, in one direction rather than a radical change we may not be able to sustain. What if we asked God, what mindset shifts do you want me to make this year?
We are excited to offer a beautiful printable of our New Year, New Mindset list. We first brainstormed popular resolutions and then discussed what mindset shifts we needed for a freer, braver 2017.
{Click here to subscribe to get the New Year’s printable.}
{And just to keep it REAL like our tagline, the file you will get in your email spells the word LOSE correctly. ?}
In our text conversation below, we included the headings to make it easier for you to follow along. Throughout the text we tried to answer the question: what do these mindset shifts look like for us as mamas?
Clean out the house → Clean out my heart
At the start of each year, I’ll be honest I usually go on some crazy purging spree of everything in my house. Don’t get me wrong, there is definite value in that, but this year I want to put more energy behind cleaning out my heart. As much as I long for a clean house, I am realizing God cares more about my heart than my closet.
Thanks goodness, because my closet is a disaster!
Ha! Well, talking about cleaning out my heart…this is hard to admit, but I am realizing I hold a lot of pride about certain things like parenting and my ability to control my emotions…which can lead to judgement and resentment towards others who I deem as “less than” in these areas. (Did I really just admit all of that?! Not pretty, I know! ?) But something I am really thinking about as we start this new year…
Thanks for being honest, sister! I’m going to ask God to show me where my heart needs a little de-cluttering as we head into 2017…I think there are some big resentment dust bunnies hiding in there too, so I can relate! ?
Lose weight → Lose the weight of shame, guilt, defeat
And resentment can be such a heavy thing to carry…along with the feelings of shame, defeat, and guilt I feel when I can’t get my act together and lose those pesky pounds I’ve put on over the year. Each year I have the same resolution – to lose weight. But this year, instead of focusing on the number on the scale, I’m choosing to focus on finding freedom…
Go on…
I want to remember that God loves me no matter what the number is on the scale, what poor choices I make, or how many times I stumble. But He also loves me so much that He doesn’t want to see me living in defeat and shame. He will give me the power to move to a place of freedom.
Love it. Sounds like that sort of mental shift is going to result in you actually losing lots of toxic “weight”.
Strengthen my body → Strengthen my support system
Such good insights! This year one of my goals is to strengthen my core after two babies and c-sections…and I think that’s an important and healthy goal. But I’m realizing what’s also important–and probably more so–is strengthening the support system in my life. Strengthening those friendships where we can be honest with each other about what’s really going on in motherhood, marriage, and dreams for our lives. And not just finding that support system but being that support system too.
I agree! I don’t know what I’d do without my Moms group. It gives me a place to be authentic and share with others. There is so much power in finding a group of people who are struggling through similar things. It’s amazing how much wisdom you can gain from each other.
I know. I’ve said it before but I love those words, “me too.” It brings such comfort to know you’re not the only one.
Spend less money → Spend less time worrying
Oh goodness, knowing others have walked in my shoes before is so helpful to me. Like for example, the other night when we went to the adoption orientation, the social worker talked through the “numbers” and I pretty much wanted to dart out of the room and start extreme couponing that second. ?
I have piles of coupons waiting to be cut! I’ll pass them on to you! ✂
That would be AMAZING! Well, I’ve come to the realize, at the end of the day, I have two choices: to worry about the cost of the adoption or trust in God will give us what we need.
Oh, I wish this was as easy to do as it is to chat about. The worry thing can eat me alive, as you know. But I am with you, I am praying that my 2017 is filled with more courage and less fear of how everything will work out!
Me too, Michelle! And everything working out in this case still involves us being good stewards of our resources….and just trusting God to faithfully provide along the way, even when it looks like a long road. ?
Save money → Save memories
I am all for saving money for that long road like cars and college! (Ahh! I’m not going to think about that now!?). We save when we have money to spare. But what I can save is memories– there’s no shortage there. Maybe this year, just once a week–if I’m lucky–I can take time to write down a few things that I want to remember about each of my boys. It may only happen once a month, but that would still be something!
Ah! I love this idea! I think that’s why I like Instagram- so even if I don’t have time to write a milestone or funny thing down, there is at least some record. ?
I do love the visual of Instagram, but I treasure the handwriting of my grandmother! And I just think that maybe these journals will be fantastic presents some day to help the boys remember what life was like when they were young.
Engage more at work → Engage more at home
That would be amazing! Here’s what I’ve been thinking about: I’ve spent so much time engaging in my work during 2016 that I realize my engagement at home has suffered. When I’m home, I’m going to focus on engaging with my family. This might mean that I put off my e-mail for a while and get out a board game. But I want to look my children in the eyes and ask them random questions. And listen. Really listen. Even when they are talking about Pokemon.?
Good ideas. But my kids are little and need/want me to play with them every second. And quite honestly, playing “chase” or playdough or hide and seek (when they hide in the same spot every time ? ) gets a little old. But I hear what you are saying.
Oh I remember those days. That is a all-hands-on-deck phase.
Yes! But since this is where my kids are, I am going to try something new. I’ll give them “quality” play time for 15 minutes or so and then teach them to play alone for 15 minutes while I do something (like the dishes!) I want to shift to truly engage them when it’s time for that, but recognize I do have to get some other stuff done.
I like that idea! It’s all about making those little adjustments in how we function that help us balance our time.
Stay focused on my goals → stay focused on God
Totally agree. But here’s my other issue. I can see myself taking these new goals and ideas and obsessing about them. I tend towards being an extreme planner and achievement driven. ?
So maybe instead of focusing so much on the goals and the things I want to get done, I need to take it FIRST to God with open hands asking, “What do YOU want? Where do YOU want to lead me on this one?”
(Will someone please send me a text to remind me of this every day?!! Preferably around 5:30pm when I’m trying to make dinner, the kids are falling apart, and I start thinking about all I have to “do”?!!!) ?
Only if you text me the same reminder at 10:00p.m. when the extreme fatigue hits me and I realize all that has been left undone! But seriously, I think that is the prayer we need to pray for every single mindset shift or resolution we consider: Where do You want us to focus this year, Lord? Because it’s going to look different for everyone!
So true. It’s cool how God can grow each of us so personally – and each of our shifts look a little different depending on the phase our kids are in or our circumstances. But thankfully God is still big enough to handle it and grow us all if we’ll let Him. Bring on 2017!
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Soaking in the Truth
Scripture to encourage you:
- “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isiah 43:19
- “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
Music to inspire you:
- Lord, I’m Ready Now by Plumb
- Made New by Lincoln Brewster
- King of My Heart by Love and the Outcome
Readings to come alongside of you:
- Shifts from Insight For Girls
- In Case You’re on Day One and You Already Feel Like Quitting by Aliza Latta
- “Here’s to a braver 2017…At the close of every year I ask myself four questions: 1. What do I want more of in my life? 2. How do I let go of what’s no longer serving me? 3. What will make me feel more alive? Braver? 4. At the end of every day and at the end of every year, I need to know that I contributed more than I criticized. How have I contributed and what will that look like moving forward?” from Brene Brown‘s Instagram
- “Because Christ is continually making all things new, our hope isn’t found in how well we can remake ourselves in 2017 (oh how we try!), but how He is shaping each of us to be more like Him. Jesus is all about new beginnings, but He’s also about finishing what He begins (Phil. 1:6).” from Ruth of Gracelaced‘s Instagram
{These suggestions are ideas from novice moms. Sometimes our life situations need more. In that case, seeking out professional help is the right call.}
