Every year we set ourselves up for a fresh start. Traditionally, the rolling over of a calendar year is viewed as a reboot, restart and new beginning. The chance to break bad habits, start new habits and change our ways once and for all. Why then, do so many of us find ourselves failing at these broad resolutions by the third week in January?

I am an expert of the failed New Year’s Resolution. You name it, I have tried it. Ugh.

There was the one year that I vowed to become one of those super cute marathon running moms with the 26.2 stickers on the back of their van. No sticker, here.

Or, the one time I swore I would be a more patient mom. That one didn’t even last until January 2nd.

How about the date night resolution that Paul and I made? Once a month one of us would plan a date night outing that was unique and creative. Still waiting for his turn.

The year I thought I was finally going to be successful was when I became a real member of a fitness club! Then, I heard the ladies on the treadmills behind me discussing the ridiculous wait for an elliptical machine in January, “Don’t worry, they’ll all be gone by the end of February at the latest.” I didn’t even make it to February.

See what I mean? You name it, I tried it.

This year will be different as I am not resolving to quit anything or start something new. I am going to focus my energy on just being thankful. No resolution. No opportunity to fail.

Instead of telling myself to run a mile, not order that delightful fountain soda, or eat more leafy greens, I am simply going to focus on being grateful for what I have.

At this particular moment, topping my list of things I am grateful for are:

1. Snow. Not because I enjoyed shoveling 12 inches of it yesterday, but because all three of my kids are building a huge snow fort out my window. They might be fighting, but I can’t hear it. Blissful.
2. My “mashed potato” blanket (named by Nick for its fluffy soft mashed potato-like consistency) because it is keeping me warm and toasty.
3. 8:30pm because it is the time Nick bats those long eyelashes and begs me to let him fall asleep in our bed and I let him. (“Mother of the Year” title is lost on that one.)

See? That wasn’t so hard. I am on a roll.  Look out, 2016!  I am about to get grateful up in here!!!!