Looking back over past New Years, I have vague memories of making several resolutions over the years. Embarrassingly, I only clearly remember one (and I'm still working on it). I don't have statistics on this, but I suspect I'm in good company. It's easy to get swept up in the optimistic-fresh-start mentality at the beginning of the year, setting goals that for one reason or another are never met.
         Many parents get frustrated that they don't seem to be able to accomplish as much in 'the outside world' as they did before they had kids. Surely things should get back to normal after the baby is sleeping through the night...or potty trained.... or in preschool....right? What we find is that the 'old normal' never returns. Our daily lives, bodies, minds, and priorities in life are forever altered when we make space for a little one in the family.  Making peace with this truth can pave the way towards realistic, compassionate goal-setting.
        Another common pitfall is not being clear about what our goals are. It is essential to write it down- however & wherever you choose to do that- distill your vision into definite words and commit it to paper.
        And finally... (click to read on)