Happy New Year, fellow mompreneurs!
As we enter a new year, it's a great time to reflect on our goals and resolutions for the year ahead. As a mompreneur, our time is often split between caring for our families and running our businesses, which can make it tough to prioritize our own well-being and personal growth. That's why it's important to set clear and achievable goals for ourselves, so that we can make the most of our time and energy.
For Myself
One of my resolutions for this year is to get in some daily exercise, even if it's just 10 minutes. I feel a bit embarrassed to say that I don’t even get 10 minutes of exercise in a week during most weeks and I bought a package of ten drop-in classes at my daughter’s marital arts studio and I’ve used exactly two of them.
My two favorite YouTube videos for 10 minutes of exercise:
As busy moms, it's easy to neglect our own physical health and well-being. But taking even a small amount of time each day to move our bodies can have huge benefits for our energy levels, mood, and overall health. So, I'm making a commitment to carve out at least 10 minutes each day for some physical activity, and I encourage you to do the same!
For My Family
Another resolution I'm setting for myself is to not show my frustration with my daughter. Parenting can be tough, and it's natural to feel frustrated or overwhelmed at times. But it's important to remember that our children are learning from us, and the way we communicate with them has a big impact on their development. That's why I'm resolving to find more positive and constructive ways to communicate with my daughter, and to be more mindful of my tone and body language when I'm feeling frustrated.
I want to be intentional in the way I raise her and I want to develop and maintain a special bond with her as she grows older. I follow Dr. Becky on Instagram, listen to her podcast on Spotify and I have an autographed copy of her book “Good Inside”. Her advice is so spot-on and non-judgemental, I wish I had her on speed dial.
For the Greater Good / For My Work
In addition to personal goals, I'm also resolving to support small businesses that align with my values more in the coming year.
Moms are often the primary shopper in the household. As the decision-maker, it's important to consider the impact of our purchasing decisions on both ourselves and the world around us. One way I plan on doing this is by supporting businesses that align with my values - those that prioritize sustainability, clean and organic products, and reducing consumerism.
When we support businesses that prioritize sustainability, we are supporting efforts to protect the environment and reduce waste. This can include choosing products made from recycled materials, supporting companies that use eco-friendly packaging, or patronizing businesses that prioritize renewable energy sources.
Clean and organic products are another important consideration, as they can help to reduce my family’s exposure to harmful chemicals and promote healthier living. Whether it's food, personal care products, or household items, choosing clean and organic options can have a positive impact on our own health as well as the health of the planet.
Finally, I love shopping and buying new things but I’m also looking to reduce our overall consumption by opting for higher quality, longer-lasting products, repairing or repurposing items instead of buying new ones, and supporting businesses that prioritize social and environmental responsibility over maximizing profits.
As a mompreneur, I know firsthand the challenges small business owners face, and the importance of supporting each other as a community. One way to support small businesses is by buying direct from their e-commerce websites, rather than through big box retailers. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t even know how to be a mom without Amazon’s Prime shipping or Target curbside pickup, but when I can plan ahead, I plan on buying direct if what I want is not available from a local mom-and-pop store. For example, I just placed an order for Thinkbaby’s sunscreen ( Family size | 3 oz size ) because this is my family’s regular go-to brand for sunscreen, we go through a lot of it, they’re having an end-of-year sale and I can stock up for my family on something I know I’m going to need anyway. This helps to support the small business owner by allowing them to keep the full profit from the sale. Another way to support small businesses is by buying from local brick-and-mortar stores as it helps to stimulate the local economy and keep money circulating within the community.
There are many other ways to support small businesses, including sharing their products or services on social media, leaving reviews on their website or online platforms, and considering them for your own business needs. Every little bit helps, and by supporting small businesses, we can help to create a more vibrant and diverse economy.
So, as we enter the new year, let's commit to taking care of ourselves and each other, and supporting small businesses along the way. Here's to a happy and healthy 2023!
