Happy New Year!

Did you hear that?  You have to listen closely because it's really quiet.  That's the sound of time flying by.  It just sneaks up on you and then, POOF, you find yourself in a new year wondering what happened to the last year, or five, or ten even!

Suddenly it is 2014. 

I don't make resolutions.  I gave them up 11 years ago.  Since then, I want to make changes, I start around Thanksgiving so that they are habit by January 1.  I do think that 1/1 is a good day to refocus.  The stress of the holidays is behind us and the promise of springtime is ahead.

Last year I did commit myself to becoming a better parent.  I believe that I was successful and remain in the maintenance stage of change.  While my husband and I both still have challenges (last night I wanted to bury my head and escape from my children who refused to go to sleep), I have found myself more patient, especially when dealing with my kindergartner.  In fact, I celebrated the first day of the New Year with her.  We had a special day together in New York City!  It was part of her Christmas present and I think it was really good for her.  It built her self esteem; she was deemed mature enough for a "girls" trip plus she had a special experience that was hers and hers alone. 

As a working mother, I felt that taking the time to be fully present with my oldest child for a full day away from other distractions was the best gift I could give her.  It was also a day of activity: walking the city streets and ice skating. I was active with my child, both setting a positive example for her and setting the stage for another active year.  Personally, we do have a lot planned for 2014 - from relay races to half ironman races - it should be a lot of fun!