I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions. For me, they’re too easy to give up on. Miss one workout, cheat on your diet one day, and all motivation to keep my resolutions are gone. I’m more of a set a list of goals for the year kind of gal. Admittedly, there are times my goals look more like a to-do list of home remodels, pay off debts. But, they are long-term goals that are intended to last the year and help me stay focused on making progress toward those goals.
This year, however, I am doing both. I have the list of goals my husband and I came up with, but I’m adding in some personal growth resolutions. They’re not the typical resolutions most people are making on this day, but ones designed to help me as a special needs mom keep my mental health and emotions in check.
Resolutions As A Special Needs Mom
- I will practice self-care on a daily basis recognizing the importance of this activity as one that will help me continue to be the best mom I can be. I resolve to do this guilt-free.
- Whenever I start to feel any form of “mommy guilt” when it comes to my child with special needs or my feelings toward being a special needs mom, I will take a step back and gain some perspective on our reality. I resolve not to stuff the hard things deep into my heart. Instead, I will acknowledge them, discuss them, and work through them. This will help stop these feelings of “mommy guilt” from taking over my emotions and by extension my life.
- I resolve to take better care of my physical body. Not for the goals of weight loss (although that side effect would be nice) but so that I am physically able to be the caretaker to our daughter with special needs.
- I resolve to add respite to my schedule. Being a special needs parent is exhausting and I know if we’re to keep at it we need rest.
- I resolve to spend less time focusing on what we’ve lost and experiences we’re missing. I will take better notice of the joy our special needs children bring to our lives.
Bonus Resolution
Finally, I will take better care of my spiritual growth. I will make spending time daily in prayer and reading the Bible a priority rather than something to do when I have the time. All of my strength comes from God. I know that without Him raising children with special needs would be much more difficult.
I will be intentional about spending time with God and allowing Him to refuel my soul and give me what I need to be the best mother possible to these children He has given us.
Hello Amy, thank you for sharing your resolutions for this year. I have just come across your website today – after a friend tagged me on Facebook in your article regarding grieving. I am a Mum of 2 daughters – my oldest is 18 years old and has Autism & an Intellectual delay. I am currently going through a phase of feeling completely burnt out with her. I won’t go into details, but just wanted to comment on your “Bonus Resolution” ….I’m so happy you wrote that, as I also cannot begin to understand how a parent can go on this journey without God by their side. My faith has been what sustains me! I have also made a resolution to be intentional & delve into God’s word each day for much-needed refuelling and so far I’ve kept on track! 🙂 That’s not to say its all plain sailing & there are no dark days …far from it, but it helps to have that deep-down knowledge and assurance that in all of this He’s got your back – and proves it time and again. Blessings to you as you continue to encourage other Mums!
Thank you so much for your encouraging words. I pray you’ll be able to find some relief from your burnout. I know exactly how that feels and how important respite can be. Hope you find some soon.