As autumn approaches each year, I like to start thinking about positive changes to make in my life by selecting a word, theme or intention that resonates with me. During the next year if what is in my life is not consistent with the word, theme or intention then it needs to be phased out.

I started to think about change this past fall but it didn’t feel right to put into words until now.

Looking back on 2017

Looking back on my previous posts like this one (one each year), my words, themes and intentions have ranged from simplicity and happiness to balance, and most recently, embracing change. All of these things came together a bit over the past year, especially change!

The biggest and most important change that occurred over the past year was blending a family with my partner. Having four children between the ages of 4 and 12 has been a tremendous amount of work in terms of scheduling and logistics, and promoting self-awareness, mindfulness and communication in our home. Not to mention a healthy infusion of boundaries, concession and artful diplomacy. These challenges do not overshadow the love and adoration I have for our family and I could not ask for a more incredible partner to be with on this journey. I’m sure there will be more to come on our often Brady Bunch life in future posts so stay tuned :).

Another step forward, after years of paperwork and a few hard-learned lessons in patience, was finalizing divorce documents with our former spouses. I would be remiss if I didn’t say we are lucky that our co-parents (who we share his two and my two children with 50% of the time) are truly great people and supportive of our blended family. And on the other side, I am also grateful in that I could not ask for a better step-Mother for my daughters!

Professionally, I have experienced change in the past year as well. I am optimistic about transitioning to a new role as a lawyer while focussing on Calmmother going forward. We’re currently finalizing great new content and looking forward to continued growth supporting Mothers in 2018.

Intentions for 2018

I rarely feel the need for a fresh start or new beginning but this year sort of feels like it both personally and from a career perspective, which is exciting and kind of scary all at the same time!

My theme for the New Year is harmony, best characterized by calm and peace.

Those who know me would probably describe me as being passionate (perhaps a nicer way of saying feisty) and determined. Harmony simply feels like a natural progression at this point in my life and I’m going to go with it. Knowing we will always be busy and that change will remain a steady constant in our lives isn’t the easiest thing to come to terms with… but things will always work out they way they’re meant to be.

Selecting a themes or intentions rather than a New Year’s resolution is a gentle way to inspire positive change in your life regardless of whether you have a specific goal in mind or have made the choice to live a different life, and it appreciates that we are all a work in progress.

Please comment below on positive change that you intend to make in your life this year!