January.

Ah, January.

(I’ll bet January Jones (aka Betty Draper) is feeling especially important this month.)

So many look forward to you.

So many look forward to saying goodbye to December. (Side thought to ponder: Could December ever be a contender for a Hollywood baby name? Probably not, but you never know?)

Now is the time to embrace January. In all its glory. (Not the adorable actress, the month.)

(Freezing rain, snow and all.)

Just think- a whole new year.

A year of brand new days.

A blank slate.

New promises.

New habits.

A new you.

Me?

Oh, I’ve been part of that “so many” before. And I’ve been away from this page for a while too. For many unexpected reasons. I don’t want this to be all about those sad reasons, except to say that this year, I’m not about unrealistic expectations. (Except I do hope the new hair brush I bought recently helps calm my frazzled winter hair.)

I don’t want it to be about crazy, unrealistic promises.

Or unattainable habits.

Or a new me.

I actually like the “me” I am today. And the one I was last week. And last year. Fly-away hair and all. When you’re over 40, I’m pretty sure you know what I’m talking about. Not just about unmanageable hair, but celebrating who you are.

Rather, I want 2017 to just “be”.

I want it to be about appreciating the people in my life.

The people who have come and gone.

About being present.

Quiet. (Well, maybe not completely quiet, bust listening more and talking a little less. Or maybe not talking less, but taking a teensy pause here and there.)

Laughing, like I always do.

And not sweating the small stuff.

And doing everything with meaning.

So yeah, 2017 is going to be a good year.

But I think last year was pretty awesome too.

Remember, it’s not about the headlines.

It’s not about what an article promises.

It’s not about what some expert says…or doesn’t say.

When it comes down to it, 2017 is about what YOU make of it.