As an athlete, wife, and mother I am constantly inquiring into how I can do things better, be more efficient, and make a difference in the lives of those around me.  What I have found, however, is that before improving on something it helps to acknowledge myself for what I have already acheived.  January is the perfect time for reflecting on how far you have come in the past year.  Acknowledging yourself for what you did in the past will give you a sense of accomplishment, as well as give you more confidence to move forward with your goals.  Being thankful for what you have and the positive things you have done gives you a blank canvas in which to create exciting things in the future!

Most people I know make resolutions for the new year like losing weight, being more organized and saving money.  These are important and some people are successful at keeping these intentions, but for me they lack inspiration and joy.  My challenge to you is to pick something this year that when you think about yourself doing it, there is an automatic smile and excitement at just the thought of it!  It can be anything.  Some examples are running a 10k race, doing a triathlon, starting up a business, or creating a beautiful garden!  For me, my dream is to be a world class triathlete.  Since I have four kids this journey has been full of adventure and thinking outside of what is normal for families.  My family has been very supportive of my dream, and I have already achieved way beyond my expectations.  Imagine what YOUR dream is, tell the people around you, visualize yourself actually doing it, then plan the steps you need to get there.  It can be scary at times, but you will feel alive and excited with life when you do!  Enjoy who you are now, but allow yourself to dream big and go beyond what you thought possible.