2010 fading away, 2011 lighting up.

That's a tricky balance, enjoying life and taking it seriously, but it's a great one to have if you can get it. I'm with you in hoping that 2011 will see a marked change in my ability to discipline myself in all aspects of my life. I tend to take things too seriously and hope that I might loosen up a bit in the coming year. It will be a challenge, one the one hand trying to make sure I do the work necessary to get where I want to go, but also being open enough to recognize that I can't control everything and take what comes. Good luck and may the coming year bring you what you need.

Good luck with your goals. It's amazing how magical this time of year feels. Everything looks possible as we gaze out at the vista of a new year. It's difficult to make things the way we hope they will be, but with support we can conquer even the biggest obstacles. I hope that you are able to achieve your goals and to also surpass them. While it would be nice if the world followed your lead, the only person you can control is yourself and you're off to a great start.

You're talking about two different kinds of change here. On the one hand, you're saying that a person would want to change all the time. And on the other, you're saying that a person would want to change a bad situation to a better one. On your first point, I don't know. I think that some people feel content with where they are and don't want to change themselves personally. It's rare, but I believe that most people don't want to change all the time. People need some semblance of stability in their lives and if they themselves are constantly changing, they would be defeating that. On your second point, I agree wholeheartedly. Everyone wants to take bad situations and make them better. The trick is realizing what situations they can change and which they have to leave as is and cope with.

You're right. There are certain changes that occur even if we stand still. Those are the ones we try to adapt to as best we can, but sometimes they sneak up on us. It sounds like your life is going the way you want it to, which is wonderful. For too many of us, life is something like a roller coaster with the twists and turns taking us on a ride which sometimes thrills us and sometimes makes us sick to our stomach.

Congratulations. That is not a small accomplishment in this economy. And you have a little one who probably brings you a great deal of joy. I hope that 2011 brings you all the things you need and want for the life you are making for yourself. Even when things are down, there's always an upside, and here's to you finding it. You've already taken a great first step.