I always love the week before New Years. It’s like the eye of the storm.

Leading up to it, you have the joyful frenzy of the holidays – shopping, parties, family, cooking, and of course eating! On the other side, you have the New Year, a time when everyone whips into action and begins changing their lives for the better.

But during the last week of December, the world takes a breather. People rest and work is slow. There is a relaxed feeling almost everywhere you go. It is the perfect time to be pensive and restful.

Over the years, I have developed a tradition that helps me to focus my attention on the things that really matter to me. This helps me go into the New Year with a fresh, focused, and calm direction. We so rarely get the chance to reflect, but this week is the perfect time. Here are some simple ideas for making the most of this time.

Make a date with yourself. Sometimes it feels like everyone wants a piece of you! That’s why it is so important to carve out some you-time. Go to a comfy café, curl up on your couch, or drive to a beautiful place. The point is to get away from the distractions, and declare that this is “me time.”

Reflect and write. Whether you keep a journal or use an old notebook, find your pen and begin to put your thoughts on paper. Start by reflecting on the past year. Think it through, month by month, noting all of the major events and their impact. Once you’ve reflected on your past year, take a few moments to focus on how you feel now. Write down your hopes, regrets, joys, and any emotions you feel. And then, the best part: begin to dream about your future. What wonderful things lie ahead of you? What do you want to accomplish? What do you want to accomplish fitness-wise? What will your “fitness” look like in 2022? How does your health and fitness relate to your other goals? Write down your main plans and your goals for 2012 for each aspect of your life: fitness, family, social, work, spiritual. No need to make promises to yourself. Just be honest about what you want. By setting your intention, you are much more likely to make your dreams a reality.

It’s a pleasure to share my thoughts with you, and I hope you will take the time to reflect on you and your wonderful life. I’m wishing you joy and inspiration in the new year and always.

Nicolette Kousoulas