The Stay at Home Mother

As we are about to enter 2009 - and say good bye to 2008, I thought it would be good to reflect on all the "firsts" my children have experienced this past year.

I wrote about it in this week's column and it can be found under the "Archives" tab.

For me personally, 2008 had some amazing "highs" and some incredible "lows" but isn't that what life is about?.....

I don't think anyone can look back on their past year, and not see some good and bad things that have happened. Although for some who have had a particularly bad year, may seem depressed about it...but you shouldn't be.

A New Year means that its time to wipe the slate clean - start anew. It doesn't mean that the events of 2008 can be completely erased, but rather looked at as a way to grow from, to learn from, and to move forward from.

For those of you who had a particulary good year in 2008 - hurray! Perhaps 2009 will be even better for you.

There is a lot of hope and anticipation for many people of changing some of our bad habits or patterns that have led us astray in past years. And a hope that it really be kicked out for good in 2009.

Be optimistic, be positive but most of all - go easy on yourself.

I am a terrible person with change - and I've experienced a whack of change this past year. Even if you "fall off the wagon" with one of your goals in the coming months - don't worry - we all falter - but what separates us from those who do fail - is that we refuse to waiver, no matter what. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep moving.

So this year - my top goal for 2009 is to keep striving to be the best person I can be, for myself and for my children. That's all I can ask.... and the rest of my goals will be discovered as the year unfolds.

Happy New Year's!