countdown to 40

Forty days until I turn forty. I'm just going to admit to myself and everyone else, it's kind of a big deal. So I thought about giving up something for those days (yes, like lent), so I can be my happiest, best self on the day I turn forty. I thought about all my worst habits: chocolate, sugar, coke zero, snacking between meals, sleeping late, staying up late, television, lazy justifications for not exercising, more chocolate. (Yikes--that list was longer than I thought it would be.)

But instead of those obvious weaknesses, I'm going to give up my worst habit of all: being judgmental of myself and others. I'm going to try to eliminate criticism. I have done this little exercise before (thanks to my inspirational friend Heidi), but I've definitely slipped back into the bad habit. I find my inner dialogue is often so negative I can hardly stand hearing myself think. So I'm going to work on giving myself positive inner feedback, and look for the best in everyone else, too.

Here are some concerns:

• Can I parent four kids without criticism? It is one thing not to let it pass your lips, but quite another not to let it enter your mind. 
• Is it a dereliction to ignore your child's faults? Is this good parenting?
• If I refrain from judging others, will my children benefit from my example, or be more susceptible to negative examples from others? I realize they don't need to constantly hear my take on the world, but would my silence seem like condoning? 

Well, wish me luck. This experiment is my gift to myself. It's probably time to throw out all the Easter chocolate, as well.