The holidays were frenetic and family-filled and wonderful, and now they sit squarely behind us. We’re back to the usual routine. School, hockey and dance are just a few of the commitments that easily fill up our weekly calendar. It’s so easy to fall into the routine.

But I want to take a pause. I don’t want to let it all accelerate and pass without recognizing that this time of year does warrant renewal, a chance to try to make a commitment of change for the upcoming year. Like everyone, right?

I think about how quickly last year went. And each year I get older I see the glaring need for me to make some changes. Truth be told, I see the same resolutions making my list that never get addressed. I don’t know if I aim too high or if I put them on the list just so something of significance is there. Whatever the reason, I’ve decided to change it up this year. I have one simple resolution. And it offers me a great deal of flexibility.

I have decided that my New Year's resolution is to simply get to the list. Do you know what I mean? I just want to make progress in some small way this year.

Now believe me, I am no martyr. There is no “poor me” in that statement. I am not slave to my kids every wish, nor am I a helicopter parent by any stretch. But realistically, in our busy world of commitments, and one where I am essentially both Mom and Dad, I find my ability to address any aspect of the list harder and harder to do. I am the only one responsible for that, and I need to change it.

So I am going to try to chip away, to make small changes. Rather than try to achieve some broad unattainable goal for myself, which inevitably will be back on the list in 2017, I think I am just going to try to take measurable baby steps.

And if you struggle in any way to meet a resolution, maybe you should give yourself a break, and, like me, just try to chip away. Maybe that bikini body is right around the corner. Kidding. But I do know that taking time to get to that list is important.

Happy New Year to us.