New Year's Resolutions from Patch Contributors

After another year of sharing their thoughts on life as an urban parent, Georgetown Patch's Urban Parenting columnists offer a personal glimpse at their hopes for 2012. (Your editor chimes in, too)

"Enjoy Every Day…Good or Bad"

My hopes for the new year are many. I would lie if I said that I didn’t have a long list of resolutions I wish I could keep in 2012. Among them are the perpetual lose weight, exercise more, work less, eat better, and organize my house. What I do resolve to do is really enjoy every day….good or bad.

In 2011, I heard too many stories of friends or acquaintances that acquired cancer or lost a child. It made me realize that all too often we take our lives and loved ones for granted. I’d like to resolve to stop and smell the roses and enjoy straightforward everyday tasks. I want to enjoy cuddling with my daughter, date night with my husband or lunching with my mom.

So many people in 2011 lost the opportunity to carry out those simple tasks. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just sit back, relax and just enjoy them? 

"Keeping the Tank Full"

This year I am going to try to keep my tank full. Keeping my tank full means exercising, eating right, and staying connected to my Church community—taking care of myself so I can take care of my children, enjoy time with my husband, and be there for my family and friends. I try not to think of this as a ‘resolution.’

There are a thousand reasons to second-guess myself as a wife, a mother, or a friend. Failing at some resolution by missing a work-out or a church service isn’t something any of us should add to the list. The goal is always to be better, not perfect, even if this means running on fumes from time to time.

"Not Being Afraid to be a Good Neighbor."

My hopes for 2012 are few but heartfelt. First, I resolve to act like an adult. That means not being afraid...not being afraid of being a good neighbor in Georgetown. That means not being afraid to say , "hi" to people I do not know. Whether they seem similar to me or different. "Hi" to people who seem sad or angry. And to not expect much in return but an opportunity to make a stranger feel connected for a moment. This means not being afraid to speak up when something or someone is wrong. I will not look away when a newspaper stays on a neighbor's stoop too long. Or when a walk needs shoveling. I will be nosey but not to "tattle", only to help. When a garbage can overflows I will grab an extra garbage bag from my house. I will pick up more than my dog's poop to keep my block cleaner.

Mostly, I will engage everyone I meet in Georgetown: student, retailer, visitor, or neighbor, as a potential friend. I will take the time to listen and really understand. I will acknowledge their perspective and feelings even if I do not share them. I will not be thinking of my rejoinder as they speak. I will not try to be hipper, smarter, wiser....I will be curious and I will end 2012 with a bigger world full of new friends.

  "Being a Better Me"

This year I am going to be a better me: a better wife, daughter, sister, friend, co-worker and citizen. To do this, I must be better to myself through exercise, sleep, good food and a commitment to recognizing every day that life is a gift.