There has seldom been a time in my life when I’ve so welcomed the dawning of a new year. Don’t get me wrong, 2016 could’ve been worse by far and I thank the crazy workings of happenstance that it wasn’t, but I am so glad to flip that calendar page.

The last several months of 2016 have given me much to think about and many reasons to ponder my life and circumstances. They’ve given me resolve to tackle some issues that I’ve been living with, but not dealing with.

I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions. In fact, I made a resolution many years ago to make not more resolutions and I’ve stuck with it. This year, however, will be a year of personal growth and change for the better.

I’ve accepted an invitation to a fitness challenge team (and Hubby has volunteered to join, too). Our goal is not to lose weight, but to regain strength and health.

I’ve started using guided meditation to quiet my mind and participate more fully in this life. Through this practice I’m learning to let go of a lot of things that I wasn’t aware of hanging on to.

This will be a year of doing. No longer will I be content with thinking it would be a good idea to do something, then letting the opportunity pass me by.

Is any of this going to be easy? No. I’ve come to the realization that I don’t want it to be easy. I used to thrive on challenge and proving that I can do things to myself and others. I want to thrive on that again.

Bring on 2017!