I wish I could take the credit for this find. I really, really wish that I could. Because I think it’s that cool. Alas, I cannot. I’m giving the credit where it’s due, and that’d be to Mango Mama, where I came across the link to Carrie & Danielle’s brilliant site. I am determined to make this year, 2008, the Year of Melissa. I know that sounds cheesy, right? Maybe even a little vain? But bear with me, please.

As all mothers do, I give so much to my family. And I love that and I feel genuinely honored and blessed to be able to do so. But somewhere along the way, I always forget to give back to myself as good as I give to others. I might not eat as well as my family. I may not sleep as well as my family. I may not get enough fresh air or exercise. I might not take enough time for myself, to recharge, to refresh and rejuvenate. And I’m pretty certain that if you’re a mom, you know what I’m talking about.

You know what? I feel better about myself in the morning when I shower and blow out my hair. That might seem self-centered or superficial, but it’s the truth. Is it really possible to have a better day because my hair is smooth and polished? Well, yes. It is. When I don’t take the time for myself in the morning to do what I need to do to feel good about myself, that feeling follows me through the remainder of my day. Seriously, would you wake up in the morning and purposefully put on a white shirt stained with tomato sauce? I don’t think so. Well, my hair is the equivalent to that stained white shirt. And you know what else? I feel better when I’m wearing a little make-up, and when I’ve exercised for 30 minutes on the elliptical first thing in the morning. And I feel better about myself when I eat a healthy and filling breakfast. And I feel better about myself when I read a newspaper. And I feel better about myself when I make a cup of tea for myself in the afternoon. And when I read books before sleep. And these are the things that all get tossed aside in favor of other, more important tasks, such as caring for my family.

My goal for 2008 is to just become a better me. A better version of myself. And it seems like that might be rather daunting, but I think it’s something I can tackle. Especially with the chart on Carrie & Danielle’s website, which I intend to use as my guideline, in conjunction with the pyramid that I was inspired to work on from the Everyday Yogini’s site. It’s going to help me focus on all areas of my life, which in turn all combine together to make me the woman I know that I can be. It covers the spiritual and the physical and the style (and you know how I feel about that one!), but it digs even deeper into areas such as environment and philanthropy. And you know what? That’s something I was raised with as a focal point of life, and yet it’s something I have not made the time for. And I know better. And I certainly want my girls to know better. (Check out the links on their site on the lefthand sidebar to 1) Manifesto of Style and 2) Lifestyle Map.)

So it’s now the 1st of the year and it seems that I’ve done what I said I would never do, and that’s to make a New Year’s resolution. But this to me is so much more than that. It’s laying the groundwork for a wildly fulfilling life – a life that’s larger than life. And that’s what I want for myself. And my family. And for you, too. So, Happy New Year to you all and I hope that 2008 brings amazing things for you and yours…