Somehow, New Year’s resolutions leave me cold. Probably, this is because of experience with starting with an idea about what would be “better,” only to find that it was just that – an idea, with its own set of unintended consequences. 

Being resolute, actually finding a place in myself that can stand up to inertia and fear, that can meet each moment with intelligence, courage, and grace – that’s appealing. 

As one who works with parents of young children, I see the emphasis on being, on being in touch with one’s own insights, priorities, and energies for the everyday challenges and decisions of life as a parent, as essential.

This takes both self-care and intention and it can be hard to see the connections.

Maybe nothing seems to change on the surface but my experience is that there is an incremental change – children respond to the kind of attention it takes to try to be in the moment with them, and with ourselves. Little by little, they draw nearer – and listen. What could be better?