Baby New Year is On Its Way

And we know how hard babies can be.

I get that ya’ll want to tell 2016 to fuck off but have you given any thought to what 2017 means?

Baby New Year is bringing some serious challenges and we’ve got some work to do.

The year we’re dumping has revealed much of the dark underside of our culture. Our country is divided, people are frightened and change is not coming easily. This requires our A game… and parenting gives me my best stuff.

“Conscious parenting is activism and activism is hard. Activists are cycle breakers. Breaking cycles require deep change and that takes time. So activists need a lot of patience. “Vivek Patel

I know how to motivate and work with difficult people and manage my own crap and believe in the future and make a difference in the world…because I raise kids.

Here is my 2017 Battle Plan

Pick my battles- I won’t let myself be overwhelmed. What am I going to do about global warming, Syria, homelessness, racism, homophobia, Obama Care, greed…. This year I pick sexism. I pick the battle of the sexes. In my work, in my family, in my writing 2017 is the year of calling out male privilege and the damage it does to relationships.

Set firm limits-I will use my mom voice to call people out.  I promise to stand up against bigotry and hatred. I will not allow others’ hateful behavior or words go unnoted.

Stay present– I won’t check out.  Media (social and otherwise) has become a mind numbing drug. I promise to keep my eyes open and talk to real people, ask deep questions. I promise to stay available in my life.

Model respect and integrity. I will remember that they are always watching. My actions, my choices are my values. I will trust that nothing is more powerful than setting a good example.

Have faith  We all in this together. The greatest gift I can give to anyone is to see the best in them and never give up. There are rocky stages but they are stages. I promise to keep my eyes open for the best in others.

Love fiercely  I guess it all boils down to love fiercely. It’s what we are build for, it is the challenge before us. Care deeply. Jump in. Be vulnerable. Get dirty. Listen intently. In all things, against all odds, I will bring my heart.
We are activists- in our families, in our relationships, in our communities. I wish you and yours an amazing 2017 that stretches you to be more than you thought you could be.

Maureen