Dear Diary,

I can’t remember the last time I made a New Year’s resolution.  When I did, it was always regarding working out more and eating out less. I always set personal and career goals throughout the year and even wrote out plans to get them accomplished. It wasn’t necessary to sit down on New Year’s Eve to vow to do something that I didn’t do over the last 12 months. Usually resolutions leave you depressed and not empowered. You reflect on all the things you don’t like about yourselves instead of the things you love. That list usually leaves you depressed not empowered. So this year, I decided to write resolutions about the things I’m already doing right.

1. Log Off the Computer

As a blogger and social media mom, I spend hours online writing, tweeting and posting messages. After dinner, I would log onto the computer and my daughter would play next to me. Then one day, she put her arms in the air and said, Up, up.  She sat on my lap and typed on the keyboard. I realized that I was writing about her instead of spending time with her.  I logged off the computer and pulled out her Megablocks. We built a castle, which she tore down, and enjoyed our quality time. Now, I write when she sleeps or when she visits her father.

2. Avoid Arguments 

My daughter’s dad and I no longer discuss anything that doesn’t have to do with our daughter. We focus our attention and conversations on our little one. Maybe one day we’ll talk about the weather, work or relationships. But for now, we stick to subjects about our child, which has avoided many arguments I’m sure. I’m also learning to bite my tongue. I can’t control what goes on under his roof. I just have to trust that my daughter is in good hands. We’re not perfect. Someone blows up from time to time. I am learning to bite my tongue, even if I don’t like what he has to say.

3. Cut Coupons

In order to have champagne dreams on a beer budget, I shop smarter. Before buying a product, I search several websites to compare prices and look for coupons and rebates. Although I would love to buy all of my groceries at Whole Foods or through Hello Fresh, I only purchase part of my list there. Then, I complete my shopping at a chain grocery store that offers a variety of organic and farmer’s market products.

4. Enjoy Free Activities 

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a lot of fun. Some of my fondest memories as a mother have been made at the park near our house. There’s no entrance fee to swing, slide and run through the field. Weather permitting, I pack a dinner, and we eat at the picnic table. Most libraries host free family hours with storytellers, musicians and other entertainers.  And you can even start a family book club with the moms you meet. Also, several baby gyms offer the first class for free.

5. Take a Spacation 

In order to take care of your little one, you must first take care of yourself.  Last year around this time, I let go of my mommytail and got a chic and sexy haircut.  This week, I got a long overdue mani and pedi.  I also plan to get a facial and massage just because!  In my third year of being a first time mom, I am realizing that it’s OK to invest in myself.

Hey DFTM family–What are you already doing that you will continue in the New Year?