Instagram just reminded me that it's the #lastsundayoftheyear and I got this unexpected rush of adrenaline.

Often the end of the year is sentimental for me, and maybe even a little sad. Taking down the old calendar is a reminder that these 365 days are done—time I can remember but won't ever get back. This is particularly heart-wrenching when raising growing kids, but I know many of us can relate to this sense of time slipping through our fingers.

I'm learning that it feels good (and even exhilarating) to close out the year knowing that I have pushed my limits, done some hard things, and loved a lot.

2015 was filled with big changes for our family. One year ago, I could not have imagined the twists and turns in our journey over these past twelve months. It was a literal roller coaster—super fast, sometimes scary, took my breath away. And I exit the ride thinking: WOW, let's do that again!

I guess I just have this feeling that we ought to keep at it—things are about to get really good.

While I can usually trust my intuition, I want to be intentional in 2016 instead of just going along for the ride.

WHY will it be a good year?

What do I want to SEE and EXPERIENCE?

What new HABITS will I build, and which ones do I need to let go of?

Answering these questions helps me shape the present moment, the now.

Here we are saying goodbye to a whole year gone by—one full of good news and so many happy memories! But if I'm being honest with myself, I know I was often distracted, frustrated, or overwhelmed. I had trouble remembering to express gratitude in the here and now.

At the end of the year I'm reminded that NOW is the only time I really have, so I'd better find the joy in it!

Wishing you the very best in 2016. May you be happy and well and excited for good things to come!