New Years can mean different things for many people across the globe. To me as a young parent it is time to sit back and appreciate how much we have accomplished as new parents during the year., or how my husband and I made it together another year. My eyes well up when I look at my kids, I mean really get the chance to look at how much they had grown in the past year. How tall they are getting, how close they are to outrunning their Mom, or be able to show me new things. I measure our year's progress by the little things like that.

My eldest is almost a senior, he knows how to read, write, do math, and he has learnt plenty of tricks to wrap Mom and Dad around his little fingers. My youngest son is going to big school, I never thought of the day would affect me so, and he is learning to handle himself in the pool. You get the chance to reflect on how quickly it all truly went past, appreciate what still lay ahead. Be grateful for the health and prosperity bestowed upon us during the year. Be thankful for the opportunity and challenges that came our way to prove to ourselves - I can do this!

It's that time of the year we get a few moments to breathe and take in the world around us. Here in South Africa, it's summer during the time of Christmas and New Year. We spend a few weeks at the pool, going on holiday, eating lots of fruits, and catching up on those moments we had pushed aside because of work and stress. We get to be with family, get to know them all over again. And then finally start getting ready for the new challenges a new year will bring us.
Here is to wishing everyone across the globe a blessed New Year, and always remember that you are the constructor of your own destiny. So lift your glasses in cheers to making your dreams come true.