Sigh. Here we go again, you say. Time for Resolutions. But tell the truth…do you ever feel like all these lists and goals we set each New Year are merely Mama band-aids patched onto our helter skelter approach to life? After the energy sapping frenzy of the holidays, it’s easy to question ourselves, because – honestly – we wonder whether all our efforts and intentions have come to fruition in the past.
If you are anything like me, this transformation business can feel so overwhelming, and (if I’m feeling really gloomy) pointless. But what is the alternative? Think about what it feels like to be around a friend with a perpetually negative attitude. Is “too weary to try” or “this year is going to be even MORE difficult” the message you want to convey about yourself to the world, or…to your kids? Or even worse, feel within yourself? If NO, it’s time for our Attitude Makeovers!
Sometimes I love to start a piece of writing by looking up the definition of my key word. So here are two of the definitions of “makeover” I came across this morning:
make•o•ver (māk′ō′vər) n.
- a complete transformation or remodeling of something, especially a person’s hairstyle, makeup, or clothes.
- An overall treatment to improve something or make something more attractive or appealing.*
(Synonyms: transformation, renovation, overhaul, new look, remodeling, refurbishment, reconditioning, improvement, informal facelift.)
Contemplating the above definitions and synonyms helps me to grasp and proceed with the Attitude Makeovers concept, because it is broken down for me into more doable components, instead of mired down in overwhelming corrections. Remodeling? Check. I can do that. Overall treatment? Why indeed not? So let’s get on with it!
Calling all Mamas to our 5 Attitude Makeovers for 2015!
Sometimes, we all need an attitude makeover!
1. Baby Steps.
Rome wasn’t built in a day! You’ve said this to your kids. Now say it to yourself. Break your Attitude Makeover into manageable pieces that you know you can do. The best thing I do when I am totally overwhelmed is to calmly say to myself, “Do the next thing.” I break it down, I prioritize, and I take on the most logical first step. And then. And then. Soon your baby steps will lead to palpable results, and you’ll be amazed at how far you managed to travel. And doesn’t seeing progress make us feel awesome?!
2. Look good, feel good.
Remember, Project Motherhood is a fashion and motherhood blog!!! We believe that by putting a little effort into looking good, we can lift our spirits. That alone can transform not just our appearance but our outlook from the inside out. Take pride in yourself. Regain your bounce. You KNOW how to do this!
Attitude makeover done right – look good, feel good!
3. Glow Treatments.
I’m not talking about a trip to the spa (though that of course is wonderful, too); I’m talking about a glow from the inside out. This is where we take time for ourselves after all that tenacious effort for others. Time for our own health, our own enrichment, our own bliss. Bundle up and take a hike in the woods. Or spend several hours in the library. Go out to a fabulous lunch with your most kindred friend. Count your blessings. Look in the mirror and tell yourself how strong you really are and how you forgive your personal failings. And when it comes to those negative voices, whether they come from inside or out, listen to Taylor…Shake It Off! (Can’t stop, won’t stop moving!)
4. Turn that frown upside down.
Mistakes? Yeah, I’ve got gazillions. But, isn’t there a way to turn that around? Mistakes teach us, they help us grow, they form character. Fear? Who isn’t afraid? We’ve got to face down these fears. Be a Warrior against your fears. (A couple of years ago, a friend suggested I choose an Elf Warrioress name, for fun. And now when I email, we both know what’s up when I sign my Elf name “Olivia” – Fears begone!)
5. Get inspired. Find a Mentor.
We all have those people, places, or ideas that resonate within us. A place where we can always count on finding inspiration. A church, a gym, a book that inspires us… we know this special place and we can rely upon it. There are amazing truths to be found out there for our much needed Attitude Makeover. I have been watching some of them for the past year, and I am amazed at how much strength, support, and power can be found on the internet… Brenden Burchard. The Big Life. The Stillness Project. Or connect with a group of other Moms, like all those amazing women who joined together at MomCon. And sometimes a random internet search incredibly yields exactly what you need! Keep looking around until you find your inspiration. It’s out there!
We too are here for you, at Project Motherhood. Hopefully we can provide a source of support and community for you Mamas out there, as we together head into the promises and the challenges of 2015 – transforming, refurbishing, and remodeling our mindset with our Attitude Makeovers.
What will you do this year to give yourself some Attitude Makeovers, Mama?
Fashionably Yours,
Deborah
*American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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