Resolutions are over-rated...

[Erin C]

So let's not end this year bashing ourselves! Please reply with at least one thing that you do not want to change about yourself this year. I'll start:

This year, I do not want to stop thinking of 'great' ideas. I've had so many over the course of my life that didn't work out, but look - this one did! I'm still excited over the wonderful response to the site and community.

- Erin

[Jean]

I want to keep laughing at the crazy things that people get themselves into.

[Judy]

I want to continue putting housework on hold to have spontaneous dance parties with by three year old.

[Emily HW]

I will continue to learn as many different things as I can get my hands into!

[Shara]

I will continue along my path of recovery from depression. I will also continue my feminist education and self growth. And most of all, I will continue being the best mom I can be.

[Aphie]

I want to keep being as creative, inspired and inspiring as I have been in 2007.

[Vavavoom]

I want to continue with my newly acquired "screw you" attitude to people who have no real affect on my life. Until they pay my bills, they have no input ;)

[Edie]

I hope I never feel I'm done growing -- so long as I live.

[Butterflyz]

i want to keep reading meaningful books.

[Cassandra]

Like Shara, I want to continue to recover from the anxiety and depression which has plagued me and my mother before me. I'd also like to continue giggling at people who tend to take themselves too seriously--like myself!

(Good luck Shara! It's hard work, but we can persevere!)

[Vavavoom]

Wow, how many of us here are struggling with depression? My mom also had severe PPD with each of my siblings (3 of us) that got progressively worse with each one. She had suicidal thoughts after having my brother (scary!!) I never got that bad, but it was bad enough.

The hidden epidemic, huh ladies?

Rebecca

[Cassandra]

It does seem like PPD is the "hidden" side-effect that no one but PPD moms talk about, doesn't it?
My mom--and her mom before her--also had PPD after each of their five and six kids, respectively, so I am terrified of adding the post partum period to my list of times I've been depressed.

But it doesn't have to be this way. The ignorance of the medical profession--and heck, society in general--about PPD and PPP is ridiculous. Let's start advocating for better mental health education and exposure of these issues! The state of New Jersey now requires mental health screenings at the 6-week appointments, largely in part due to political activism. We can make a difference--and hopefully get to the bottom of PPD before our daughters have children!

[Marta Jespersen]

One thing that I'm very thankful for is not having been burdened down wth PPD. Never-the-less I definately do sympathize for women who have to suffer through this because raising a child is difficult enough when you're sleep deprived and to add depression onto that must be a very difficult thing to deal with. I applaude mothers who have worked their way through this and managed to raise wonderful and happy children. You really are brave and strong, Rebecca, for getting through it. One of the beautiful things about living in Alberta, Canada is that they do a screening at the two week, six week and 6 month marks. One thing that people forget is that many women develope PPD within the first two years after the baby is born and it isn't always easy to tell if you have the blues or if you have PPD. Your best bet is to seek professional help and join a support group...and if there isn't one in your area then start one. It's alwasy better when you have someone to speak to!