My 2023 word is Chilli.
Not the recipe (although I do have an amazing recipe for a four bean, quinoa chili that my whole family adores), but the cartoon mom.
Before you laugh, hear me out on this…
I adore the Disney+ show Bluey. It makes me smile and laugh. I love that every short episode has a lesson to it. I adore the banter between the adults and the games they all play together.
But the thing I love most about the show is Bluey and Bingo’s mom, Chilli.
Chilli is a patient, loving, present mom.
Chilli is also a great friend.
Chilli has interests and passions outside of motherhood.
Chilli has a job that she loves.
Chilli isn’t afraid to demand time to herself to gather her thoughts and improve her mood.
I want to learn to be more like Chilli this year.
In 2023, I want to pour myself into friendships that matter, with people who care about me as a person beyond my status as a mom. One of my best friends got divorced in 2022 and I want to be the best support to her that I can be despite our friendship now being long distance. I want to lean into what my friends and I have in common more in the new year to strengthen our friendships. Chilli shares passions with her friends and they are both happier for it. I have also learned the hard lesson over the last couple years that some friendships are not meant to last forever. Some friendships change as we as people change. And giving myself the grace to allow those friendships to fade, only gives me more time and energy to pour into those friends that matter most to me.
Chilli also has passions outside of motherhood that fill her as a person (or dog?!) up. I want to lean into those things, like reading, writing and exercise, that fill me up beyond my role as a mother. Chilli plays field hockey with her friends without guilt because she knows it makes her a better mom. I want that attitude about my hobbies.
Mostly, I want to be like Chilli when she demands time to herself. In the episode “Sheep Dog,” Chilli spends much of the episode reminding her family that she just wants to be left alone for 20 minutes. I know how that feels, yet I am not great at asking for that time. In 2023, I want to ask for that time whenever I need it. I want to do it without guilt, remorse or regret. It will make me a better mother, wife and friend. I am worth those 20 minutes alone.
In 2023, I want to:
- Speak up for time alone when I need it
- Pour myself into the handful of friendships that fill me up
- Foster my hobbies and talents outside of motherhood
- Be a more patient, present, loving mom because of the work I have put into myself outside of motherhood
Is it crazy that I want to be more like a cartoon mom in 2023?
Maybe…
But when you think about it, Chilli really is a role model for how to balance being a wife, a mother and a friend to your greatest potential.
