Cheers!

Do people even really make resolutions anymore? I know we all wish for better health, lost weight, more money, love... all the major things and/or problems that we would like to either change or fix about ourselves.

But why do we need to make a yearly wish to be someone different? Why can't our resolutions be more about what we give out to the world? How we treat others? How we are treated? How we can set good examples for the children who will inherit everything?

I try so hard to teach my boys values and respect. But its hard when all around you, not one of those values are being displayed. I suppose, when the boys do witness a shining star of an example of the values I am trying to instill in them, it is a greater lesson learned because they know that it is a rare occurrence.

I witness kids disrespecting their parents, disrespecting each other and those around them. I see them run across the street on a green light and then yell and scream at the driver *who could have hit them* who had the right of way all along. I see young boys calling each other fags and idiots, kicking in front doors or walls or each other and say they are only "playing around" I see young girls calling each other bitches and whores and not truly understanding what it is they are saying. I refuse to allow my boys to have an ask.fm account because it is full of bullies telling each other to kill themselves or to rate the kids in their classes according to who they would kill, date or marry. ( Kill? Seriously? This baffles me) Constant reminders that others think they are not good enough or pretty enough. It breaks my heart to see children using such hateful words to each other.

And I know I'm a hypocrite for shaking my head at these kids because I have called my friends bitches and whores.The difference though, is that I am not purposely trying to hurt someone.

 I know bullying has been around for a very long time so this isn't new; and there are people who are trying to end it, to give kids a fighting chance at being happy. We have lost too many already. But its changed. It's morphed into this great force that people have a hard time fighting or even really noticing.

I feel relieved to have all boys honestly. Its scary to have them go into middle school and be rated by how they look, how they dress, how they act. My boys aren't considered "popular" Girls don't chase them, don't talk about how "cute" they are. But they aren't considered "geeks" either. They have found their own little spots in their school world and have made some really good friends. And, I hope, they know that they are just as important as anyone else around them. Just as good looking, just as special and just as worth a chance at life as everyone else.

So this year, instead of wishing to be skinny (bc lets face it, I'm fat and would love to lose weight) or rich (don't we all?) or happier (smiles are so much nicer than frowns), I'm going to try to make sure that I give out what I would like to see in return.

Cheers to integrity, cheers to respect,  and cheers to leaving a world that our children can be proud of!