Don’t we suffer enough? Is it really necessary to put extra demands on ourselves just because we flipped another page in the calender? Personally, I have given up such luxuries as sleep and sitting down while eating since 1999, and I have the feeling I’m not alone. Did you miss the memo confirming that we’re doing the toughest job on the market - parenting small kids?

Every January 1st we set ourselves up with irrelevant and impossible goals, leaving us feeling like failures when we don’t achieve them. Mamas should really be exempt from this “resolutions” tradition. In fact, maybe we should take it one step further and have some anti-resolutions. I think two biggies on the list should be:

1) I will not diet.
The notion of depriving oneself of food when we indulge in so few pleasures is bordering on cruelty. Sure it’s good to be healthy but there’s nothing unhealthy about having the well-earned muffin top. Worry about that later and for now put a sign on your fridge door that says “Can you pinch an inch? Do you give a shit?”

2) I will not get suckered into a gym membership.
Time to get real - women who don’t even go to the bathroom alone are not likely to become regulars at the gym. Gym memberships are only wise investments once you no longer have a small child handing you toilet paper and flushing for you. Until then, build up a sweat the good old-fashioned mama way - chasing kids around the park, pushing double strollers through the neighbourhood, and hauling around a toddler, baby and three bags of groceries all at once.

If you just can’t start 2009 without some sort of plan for change, try these on for size:

1) I will not feel guilty.
Cut yourself some slack already. Chances are you’re not the perfect mother, partner, friend and sister because she is a mythical creature. Just try to be patient and do your best. When you screw up, just try to do better next time. Guilt takes up a lot of energy and energy is something we mamas need to conserve.

2) I will not care what people think.
Easier said than done, but worth every bit of time and energy you sink into it. You’re the mama and the boss of your little peeps. Who is better suited to call the shots - you or your meddling in-laws or the nosey neighbour? Go with your gut and to hell with the rest of them. You can even say that to them if you like.

So mamas, here’s to us for 2009! Let’s agree that we’ll consider 2009 a success if we get through it with our last few strands of sanity still intact.