My New Years Day tradition is to wake up before my family does. Even though it makes for a shorter night, I have something I can’t wait to do.

With a silent house, I have my quiet time and journal about the past year — ups and downs, areas of growth and thankfulness, and times of difficulty I’m eager to wave goodbye. Then I sit in solitude and prayer, while I journal thoughts about the upcoming year. I focus on goals for myself, and as a wife and mother, changes I would like to make, or new ways of doing something. It’s such a great time of reflection for me.

About the time I finish, my family wakes up. I’m ready to begin a new year — refreshed, rejuvenated, and renewed.

New beginnings are wonderful. They are a fresh start, a chance to move beyond a past struggle, and a new sense of purpose and direction.

Take some time this week to reflect on last year. What transpired that you are thankful for? What difficulty did you overcome? What areas of growth did you see?

In looking at 2009, jot down some plans and goals for yourself. Not resolutions — those promises typically don’t stick. I’m referring to goals you list for yourself and your family that you wish to aim for, or perhaps a new perspective or method of doing things to strive for. Let it be your blueprint to work from this year.

So get busy, seek solitude, and journal. Happy New Beginnings!