I make resolutions every year, and I follow through with them for about a week. This year, I’m determined for that not to happen. I opened up my iPhone last night and made a list in Notes of my 2013 resolutions. It’s right there in black and white, and I’m going to force myself to look at it everyday. I’m going to hold myself accountable, just as if that list were a “to do,” not a “try to do.”

This time of year gives us a clean slate. Not that we don’t have a clean slate any day of the year if we want to, but there’s something about the coming of the new year and the reflection on the last, that gives us that push to try to be a better version of ourselves.

I made my list reasonable (well except the one where I want to write and publish a book) but hey, one giant goal is needed to keep me honest. And if I can look back at 2013 and say that I really made an effort to do everything on that list, then I’ll be happy.

2012 was a great year for me. I successfully worked freelance the entire year; I won the fantasy football championship, beating 11 of my boys and leaving them with the knowledge that they all got beat by a girl; I made new friends, some of whom I know will last a lifetime; I watched my son grow and learn, from crawling, to walking, to running, to talking, and becoming the little man I’m so proud of; I spent a wonderful year with my husband, and we made it through the “raising a baby/toddler” stages while still making time for date nights and alone time; I got to visit my family and make memories during the holidays and other celebrations; and so much more.

I also had my struggles, as we all do, but I’m choosing to focus on the positive. When I wrote that list, although short and sweet, it made me very thankful that my year held so many great moments. It wasn’t a year of loss or sadness for me, as I’m sure it was for many others. It wasn’t a particularly special year either, but it was mine. And every year we get to spend here is an important one.

For 2013, focus on what you CAN do, not what you can’t. Focus on what you DO have, not what you don’t. Focus on the ones you LOVE, not that ones you HATE. Count your blessings often, set goals and keep setting them if you achieve them, never give up on a dream, never use your age or situation as an excuse, say I love you and say it too much, and be the person that you truly ARE. Be the person that your mom knows you can be, that your wife knows you can be, that your best friend knows you can be. Be that person, for you.

Here’s to a fantastic year for all of my readers and to all of my family and friends. Each of you has made an impact on my life and I thank you for letting me share this crazy journey with you.