I love turning the calendar full circle to a new beginning.

It’s a chance to look back and see what we’ve learned from another year’s experiences.  And then to look forward and imagine, plan, and organize the changes we want to make and challenge ourselves to reach a bit further and become a bit better.

How do you feel about a new start?  Do you feel hopeful and optimistic?  Do you feel overwhelmed or anxious?

Sometimes the challenges of the past hold our enthusiasm hostage.  If that is the case for you, I recommend the wisdom of Tolkien:

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

So true!  We cannot turn back the clock or recapture the time that has passed, or control what has been confronting and challenging us, but we can decide what we will do now.  We can dare to plan and commit to taking baby steps on our journey to greater peace in the year to come.

From here, at the top of the this shiny new year, I want you to know that I believe.

I believe in God, our Father, who infuses life and joy into our family relationships as we turn to Him in humility.  We aren’t alone.

I believe in change and growth.  (It sounds like, “I am sorry.  Please forgive me.  I will do better next time.”)

I believe in families who grow and change because they are motivated by their love for each other.

I believe that growth comes as we are honest in our own heads and then kindly give and take honest feedback to and from each other.

I believe in reaping what we sow and in striving to model and teach the principles of the harvest to our children, young and old.

I believe that everyone (even little people) want and need to be recognized and heard, and that we bestow great gifts on one another as we listen and emotionally walk beside others, helping to bear their burdens.

I believe our greatest gift is to be present, but not to assume someone else’s problems.  We must learn to leave problems with the owner. Truly, they are the only ones with the power to decide and to act for themselves.

At the top of this year, I wish you strength for the journey and light to your path.

My intention is that this site will help to ease your burdens, inspire you to keep trying and serve as a challenge for progress and growth.

Ready for help with goals and accountability?  Tune-in tomorrow!

We can do this.

Love,

Jacque