A New Years Reflection

I wanted to do a New Year’s reflection post about things I am proud of and the changes I have noticed in my life. I tend to look back and see minimal “big” changes because sometimes my life feels small. It is mainly just me and my family, with the adventures (or lack of adventuring) that we do together. So this is me recognizing the growth and positive moments of my 2025.

1. I watched my kids learn how to love each other.
What started as jealousy has turned into a mostly sweet relationship. My son wants to wake up his sister in the morning so they can play and eat breakfast together. They both love being together (until she knocks down one of his creations). Watching them grow into their roles as siblings has been the sweetest thing. My son has had to grow up and take on a different role in our family, and he now sees our family differently. Without his sister, our family would not feel complete. The process took time, but I love watching them play together. Just this morning, my son didn’t want to go somewhere because he was playing “red panda” with his sister in a house he made from our couch pillows. These small moments are so precious.

2. I developed as a mom and as a person in my ability to regulate and co-regulate my kids’ emotions.
Last night was the “witching hour,” and both of my kids were hangry. There were lots of emotions and irritation. My previous-year self would have been completely overwhelmed and unsure how to respond. Instead, I sat with my kids and gave them hugs as they cried. The emotional wave passed, and we were able to get ready for bed. It was a moment of pride. I have learned how to better regulate my own emotions as my kids lose theirs.

3. I have gotten better at recognizing myself as an individual outside of my kids.
This is still a goal, but I am allowing myself time for me when I have small pockets of it. I used to feel a lot of guilt when I tried to do things for myself. Learning that caring for myself makes me a better mom has helped me enjoy motherhood more. Complete sacrifice is often necessary during the postpartum stage, but learning how to integrate your own outlets into life has been a game changer.

4. I feel more comfortable setting boundaries.
I listen to my body and my limits more. I say no when something doesn’t feel attainable with my kids’ needs and our schedule.

5. I updated my definition of success.
At the beginning of the year, success felt like dipping my toes into everything and doing it all well. Now I have a healthier perspective. Different days and seasons offer different levels of availability. Some days I’m good at being fully present with my kids at the park, and other days I’m good at pushing myself in exercise. Both count.

This writing exercise is mostly for me. If I was to be honest, most of my blog posts are writing exercises to help me reframe negative thought cycles. When I look back at a year, I tend to view accomplishments as singular events or measurable milestones. Through that lens, it can feel like all I did this year was tend to my kids.

But my year wasn’t about events,  it was about slow processes of change. It was a year of adjusting to being a family of four with a toddler and a preschooler. A year of regaining my sense of self. A year of forming new routines and family patterns.

And I’m really proud of that.

Cheers to a new year  ✨