Happy New Year and Happy to be Me!

It's the Jewish New Year and a time for reflection.

It's a time to look ahead to the New Year. But, also an opportunity to look back at the past year or years and learn from your mistakes and take pride in your accomplishments.

For the first time in my life, at age 56, I can finally say I'm happy to be me!

Of course, I'll always strive to be the best I can be. But, I'm in a place right now where I wouldn't have changed a thing from my past. I'm content with my present, and so looking forward to my future.

I've always been afraid when things are going well not to get too excited. That somehow the bottom would drop out. I don't feel like that any longer. I went through a horrible 20 year marriage, but it produced two amazing people, my children. Two beautiful souls that I can't imagine a world without them. If I had the choice, I would choose only them. They are truly everything I could have dreamed of. They are loving, giving, generous, beautiful gifts. I feel so blessed and lucky to be their Mom.

I've learned a lot over the years. I learned that I need to love myself, to be strong and independent. Not to let others bring me down. I learned that I am worthy of being with a partner who respects, loves and is kind to me. But, most of all, I've learned that it's truly essential in life to find a peaceful place. A place where I can finally breathe and not regret anything I've done in my life. Because it has all brought me to where I am today! I'm working for myself, I'm engaged to a kind, sweet man who loves and respects me. I've watched my daughter graduate from college, and loving her new job. I've seen her grow into a beautiful, confident young woman.

My son is a freshman in college and is charming, confident and smart. He has embraced his religion and is involved with a Jewish Fraternity and Chabad. I couldn't be happier about that.

I'm planning my wedding for next year and feel like I'm 20 again. I am grateful for my second chance at life. I look back at the envious person I used to be. The woman who wished she could be someone else. And at age 56 I am finally happy to be me!

My wish for this New Year is that it won't take this long (for anyone reading this) to be happy with who they are. My wish is that you will all look at what you have, not what you don't have. Love yourself and count your blessings. That is the first step to total happiness and peace. L' Shana Tova!