The cookies are gone (way too fast), brand new clothes have been worn once, recycling has picked up the torn and crumpled wrapping paper and the thank you notes are…well everything isn’t finished yet. But it’s the end of a season and the end of yet another year.

Another year? Where did it go?

The new year signals a need to move forward, not back.  But we are often too busy reflecting on the past to make solid, actionable plans for the future.  How many times do you set your New Year’s resolution only to have it be just another task that became too much to complete?  As someone who has dealt with my share of pain and grief, I have come to realize that we have to look forward to move forward, and I know that taking baby steps makes the road to improvement more manageable.

On my personal blog I am working on a “52 to Fabulous” series in which I will take 52 weeks to improve most aspects of my life:  “The pursuit of a better me.” I’m anxious to see positive developments in the areas of health and fitness, style, home, finances…a little bit of everything.  And I’ll be taking baby steps along the way to hopefully not become overwhelmed.  Any success will be recognized big or small. I’m not looking for the big fix, just a feeling that I’m making strides to a better lifestyle.

When you work towards a goal, no matter what the goal, pat yourself on the back for what you DO do instead of beating yourself up over those things you DON’T do.  You will be rewarded with a feeling of personal growth, positive attitude, and your own list (no matter how long or short) of accomplishments.  And you will have a positive, hopeful outlook toward 2010!

Here’s to the pursuit of a better YOU!