Somebody shout it out: THANK GOD it’s the end of 2010.
This has been one hell of a year.
“Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found in us.”
I read that in a book once and it seems especially fitting for this past year. I refuse to go into detail because once I start, I’m afraid I won’t stop. I would expose every minute infraction without mercy. My words a scalpel and the truth the bowels of a corpse, my friends.
However shredded my heart was this past year, I did not lose a home. I did not lose a loved one (save gramps, but he was pretty darn old). I have a job and I’m pretty sure I have my health. My kids are smart, healthy, and amazing creatures. Despite some life-altering events, I consider myself fortunate.
Just a few things I learned in 2010:
Unplanned events (whoopsies!) are the best surprises ever. Tiny creatures are capable of creating unending joy in the lives of others.
These tiny creatures are also capable of creating unending diarrhea and vomiting sprees. Invest in large amounts of laundry detergent.
C-sections are a bitch from which to recover. Don’t do it if you have an option. I wasn’t able to option out.
DO NOT cling to that which is no longer cling-worthy. Let it go.
Let it go!
Meditate on a regular basis. Focus on mindfulness*. It does not make your life perfect and you will surely continue to make mistakes, but the frequency and the degree of mistakes lessen greatly. You’ll be apt to recognize your error and apologize to the offended party without pride stepping in your way.
If you have a love of chocolate and a penchant for gaining weight in your backside upon eating chocolate, do not eat chocolate. I repeat: DO NOT EAT CHOCOLATE.
The same applies to cheese, nuts, and salt & vinegar potato chips. Especially the kettle cooked chips.
Invest in a diaper genie. I did not.
If your 13 month old child is discovering great joy in taking off her socks and “eating” them or crawling around and licking the tile, let her do so. Clean with Clorox and just let her, and you might save yourself a prescription for xanax.
Say “yes” when friends ask you over for dinner and a visit. You never know who you might meet upon doing so.
Do not forget to take your daughter’s soiled clothes out of the knotted plastic bag. If you neglect to do so, the smell never washes out. I dressed Maya in a clean onesie the other day and kept looking around for the odd odor. Ugh.
Once an infant starts running and climbing, the speed at which she can get across the room and onto the sofa to bounce herself into oblivion and off the side of the sofa is: 3.0 x 108 m/s. Or the speed of light. Whichever you prefer. I’m not really picky on that one.
Don’t freak out about the toys or dirty dishes or laundry. If your little one wants you to read to her, do it. Hug her close and breathe in the sweet baby scent that lingers in the wisps of her hair. Savor every single moment because it passes so unbelievably fast.
Money is so very important, but if you trust in the universe or God or whatever, chances are everything works out okay. You might be behind in a bill or two; you might accrue some late fees; you might eat hamburger or tuna helper for a month (or even two), but everything works out just fine.
In the end, you’ll be grateful for the things that drag you through cacti and pummel you into mush. It makes you stronger, mentally and emotionally, than you ever imagined you could be.
Love is an amazing thing. Romantic love. Familial love. Unrequited love. Unconditional love. Even if it turns out to be a horrendously one-sided love affair that culminates in the birth of one breathtakingly beautiful daughter, it’s worth it. Maya is worth a decade of heartbreak any day to me.
DO NOT worry so much about those last five pounds. If he’s any sort of man whatsoever, he won’t even notice. Really. He’ll be far more interested in the fancy-smancy socket wrench you picked up at the hardware store.
Do not assume that because you stick your little one in the bath you’re safe from massive poop explosions. You are not and such explosions will hunt you down and scar you for life. Have you heard of Yosemite? Yeah. Imagine that in poop form.
Do not stop exercising. Even if for only twenty minutes a day, give your body a challenge. Pick up a dvd that accommodates your busy schedule yet delivers results. Period. Like this twenty minute workout byJillian Micheals.
Whatever happens in your life, don’t let your heart deteriorate into pinchless crumbs. Your heart will miraculously heal, despite what you believe.
Love, love , love.
Good night and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.
*Please flip through a chapter or two or download onto your kindle any books written by Thich Nhat Hanh or Pema Chodron. Excellent advice on mindfulness.
Michelle Stodden 