New Year's Resolution

I have been inspired by my friend Keri, whom I do not get to spend enough time with but whom I follow via her blog http://tiddytales.blogspot.com. Keri posted her goals for 2010, and I was moved to evaluate my own plans for this new year.

One of the underlying themes of my life since Luke was born is the guilt and conflict many Moms face when they go back to work. On one hand it is often a financial necessity. On the other, there is a very small person who is unable to speak for him/herself, but who clearly needs his/her Mom.

At this point in time, me not working is not financially possible. But Keri's blog really made me think about whether me not working could ever be financially possible. I have taken stock of what I spend, and I was a little surprised by how much of it was on items that are not truly necessary. The majority of my monthly spend is on convenience and instant gratification items. When I totalled up what I have to pay for bills, vehicle and grocery expenses, the number is significantly lower than what I had in my mind.

So, my goal for this year is to cut out the fat completely. I am looking at this as a cleansing and focusing opportunity and possibly a spiritual one. It will be a daily meditation on what I truly need rather than what I want. It is going to be hard. It is only the second day of my efforts, and it is already hard.

Although I haven't even been to a store, there is something about knowing that I am limiting my spend that already feels like a strangle hold. It is this feeling that makes me know that I need to do this. I should be able to do this. I will let you know how I do this.