2016: A Look Back

2016 was the year I discovered bullet journaling.  My method evolved over the year, became simpler and turned into mostly monthly/daily to do lists and meal planning, but it definitely helped me stay a little bit more sane throughout the year.  I don’t know how I would be able to handle life with 2 kids without it, that’s for sure.

So, I spent most of nap time this afternoon reflecting on the goals I wrote in my journal at the beginning of 2016, and  skimming through to find some common themes.

First of all, I was pregnant for the first half of 2016, so I was a litttttle crazy.  Like, losing my mind from about March until June when Bradley was born.  Now I’m only slightly holding it together most days, with the occasional slip, usually directed at my two year old.  But along with testing my patience, my kids and my life in general have brought me so much encouragement and joy.

It’s easy to complain about life, life is hard (and I’m a complainer).  Life was easier before kids, but it certainly never was perfect.  I tell people that Genevieve is either doing something that absolutely fills me to the brim with love and laughter and happiness, or something that just absolutely pisses the crap out of me.  But, that’s life – we have the hard times to appreciate the good ones – that’s what my mom told me when I was having a particularly tough day and asked her when it ever gets easier.  (she said never, but at least she gave me that nugget of wisdom!)  As my two babies interact with each other more and more, whether it’s making each other laugh or it’s making each other cry, it’s an exciting peek into my life to come; raising my kids who will be siblings for life.

Along with the stresses and joys of parenthood, another thing I noticed in my journal is that I’ve been worrying less about what I’m eating. I’ve been feeling good about what I eat on a daily basis without even trying.  Over the past few years my cravings have turned from sweet to savory and spicy.  It’s nice, I’m rarely worried or feeling bad about what I’m eating.  This just shows that change is possible, but it doesn’t happen in a day.  It saves so much energy just following my 6 simple rules.

As far as my kids’ eating – I’ve written things in my journal like, “why won’t Genevieve eat anything new?” and “Genevieve ate salmon today and loved it!”  It just reminds me to stick with it and that more often than not, Genevieve will eat what I offer and even try something new.  Kids are always changing their minds, especially when it comes to what they (think) they like.  As a matter of fact, Genevieve’s new favorite saying is “I don’t like <insert any food I offer here>”.

In the year to come, I’m looking forward to really getting into introducing Bradley to solids, hopefully getting fully past Genevieve’s picky stage, and helping as many moms, babies and toddlers as possible learn about healthy food and enjoy it without stress!

So…in 2016 I had a baby and started a new business, plus I went back to work part time in my corporate job as an engineer.  Also, I (mostly) potty trained a 2 year old (just thought I’d throw that in there…yay!).  Life is tough, but I’ve found what I love, my calling, and I’m so excited for my plans for 2017!  Keep a look out, I’ll be sharing soon!

Also, just for fun, here are all of the mantras, mottos, cliches, and quotes that I found written in my journal over the year (many of them were written while pregnant and hormonal!):

You got this
Spread Happiness
Stop and smell the roses
“I have chosen to be happy because it is good for my health” (Voltaire)
I am calm, I am happy, I have no fear, I am filled with loving kindness
“I’m only human, I bleed when I fall down.  I’m only human, and I crash and I break down” (Christina Perri)
You are in control
Put yourself first

How was your 2016?  What were your ups, downs, and overall themes?