My apartment is finally empty - we have had non-stop visitors, wonderful big meals (using every pot and pan in the house) and sleep over guests all week. My stepson Nick and two of his friends, Amy and Mike, and my brother Jim are still sleeping here, but for now the place is quiet.  New Year's Day is my favorite day for reflecting on the previous year - remembering the highlights and the rough spots - and focusing on my gut in terms of what I want to repeat or expand on and what I want to do less of or eliminate from my life.

You can do this too, just sit quietly and think about you for awhile and the 2008 experiences you've had.  The clearer you can be about what you want and don't want in 2009, the easier it will be to keep focused on your goals and recognized your success when you get it.  You will be more fulfilled and able to give that much more to others.

I know I want more vigorous exercise - nothing makes me happier and it is so good for me. I get my most creative ideas in spinning classes and generally stay calmer. Much of this year I have exercised daily but it gets too routine so I loose intensity and interest. I am committed to speeding up and changing up my routine. I did it today.

I want to spend more time with my family (ages 92 years young to 2 and a half years old) particularly those who do not live near us in New York. That requires more planning and saving for airplane tickets. Highlights in 2008 were the time my entire immediate family were together the week of the Democratic Convention (yes I am a Democrat). My brother Jim and his wife Lisa hosted all of us at their home and in the homes of Lisa's generous family. Politics is sort of the family business - many of us went to Invesco Field on a glorious day to see Barack Obama except his party's nomination.  And we were all together to celebrate my niece Maggie's 5th birthday. I also really enjoyed the sunset Sandival cable car ride we took outside of Albuquerque with my niece Helena, brother Joe, sister Claire and sister in law Alex.

I want to inspire more people with my speeches, blogs and the Make Mine a Million $ Business RACE by encouraging them to be confident, creative, goal oriented and successful. It is what I do best - I see promise and potential in just about everyone. I finished my first book this year called "Stepping Out of Line" and am excited about sharing my thoughts and stories with thousands and thousands of women.

Lastly, I want to make people aware of just how long and important the process of grieving the loss of loved ones actually is. Everyone apologizes after a week for feeling not quite themselves, when it is clear from ancient cultural and religious custom and ritual that grieving takes a long time. As business owners, we have to be aware of this process with our employees and colleagues. My dear friend Beth's father committed suicide in November and my colleague Michelle lost her baby in child birth a few weeks later. Several CMI staff members have lost love ones as well.  We all need to take time to acknowledge loss and incorporate the time to heal into our lives.

The name of the game in 2009 is "Realistic and Optimistic."  Take a moment to write down what you *really* want - your biggest and most exciting goals for your business, your family, and yourself.  The sky is the limit.  At the same time, be realistic that in the coming year there will be set backs and unforeseen challenges, when it's healthy to look inward, regroup, and come back stronger.  With a good strategy, support, and defined goals, you can make it all happen.  I hope you'll join me here four times a week in 2009 as I share my personal progress towards my own goals, tell the stories of women in the Make Mine a Million $ Business RACE, and give tips that will help you create the life you want in 2009.

Believe in you.

Nell