New Year, Same Me?

Happy New Year! Were you as excited as I was to start 2021 and leave 2020 behind?

There is something so invigorating and magical about having the opportunity to reset in a new calendar year! There is so much possibility. So much potential.

I know it's naive to think that turning the page on a calendar will make everything better but every new year brings exciting new goals, resolutions, and promises you make to yourself. You tell yourself, "This year's going to be different."

And then it all falls apart. Riots on TV. Distance learning. Another year of worrying about money, your health, your kids, yourself. Are you doing enough to keep your kids safe?

Here we are almost half way through January and life has been less than optimal with no forward momentum.

Here's the thing: This new year can be a time for progress, for growth, for making your dreams come true. To paraphrase C.S. Lewis, you can't change the past but you can re-write the future. Like a new chapter or a blank page.

Take the time to reflect on the past and get clear on what you want going forward.

Failing to recognize and celebrate your accomplishments can leave you stuck.

You can acknowledge the hardships experienced in the last year, but they don’t have to define you. You can empathize with others without taking on their baggage.

Carrying old baggage, or other people's baggage, into the new year will only way you down.

What do you need to leave in the past to move forward in 2021?

Do you have some dreams that you want to turn into reality this year? Behaviors you'd like to shed or ones you like to take on?

It's easy for us to get caught up in the drama around us. We take it in and then our actions and attitude reflect someone else, not us.

Whether it is the events of the world around us, a sharp remark by a loved one, or our kids' behaviors - we take it in and react in a way that leaves us feeling disappointment, malaise, or worse. The feelings are real but they are driven by the external.

So what do we do? How do we find and stay true to our inner happiness?

Take action. Baby steps. Focus on the positive.

 Heed the words of this Irish Blessing

“Count your blessing instead of your crosses.

Count your gains instead of your losses.

Count your joys instead of your woes.

Count your friends instead of your foes.

Count your smiles instead of your tears.

Count your courage instead of your fears.

Count your good times instead of your lean."

Final thought: Share your dreams and aspirations. Share them with your kids, share them with us, and share your plan for making them happen.

Leave a comment below with your biggest takeaway or with any questions that may have come up for you. I will be replying to all comments and encourage you to interact because that is how you will benefit and continue to grow. I also invite you to join our private ENCOURAGE GREATNESS community.

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I know 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th hand that

MOMMIN' AIN'T EASY!

And taking care of everyone's needs, keeping a house, running a business, distance learning, and working outside the home it can be harder times 10!

Why do we think we have to go it alone?We need support and real-life, implementable strategies.

If you need help figuring out what to do...schedule a BREAKTHROUGH SESSION today.

We'll look at your goals, the challenges you're facing, opportunities you might be missing. We'll also uncover hidden problems that may be sabotaging your desired results. You'll leave the session feeling renewed, re-energized, and inspired to get results faster and easier than you thought possible. And you'll have a plan of action to do just that.

"Action is the foundational key to all success." Picasso

MARY KERWIN is expert in helping kids to develop the confidence and self-esteem skills that they need to thrive now, and grow into happy, confident, successful adults. Her more than 40 years in education, along with her training as a coach and practical experience gained from raising her own 4 children, give her an understanding of the needs of each child, as well as the needs of a parent. This makes her uniquely qualified to help children, support parents, and nurture tomorrow’s leaders. Her programs provide hands-on experiences for children allowing them to explore and grow while building skills and having fun.