There's a lot to be said about the last minute of the year that just passed. As the countdown began — 5 – 4 –3 –2 -1 — the anticipation reached its highest emotional crescendo as fireworks exploded, hugs and kisses generously given and good wishes sprinkled the air…the New Year is finally upon us.

Out with the old, in with the new.

Amidst the clinking of champagne glasses and the sentimental rendition of Auld Lang Syne, the seconds after the New Year always evoke a flood of nostalgic reaction, for me at least. My thoughts were drowned out by the blare of loud dance music, the incessant noise coming from the party horns and laughter.

Where did 2007 go? Did it just whisk by without leaving any indelible imprint along the way? Or is it a case of time flying by when you're having fun?

I tend to become quite introspective around this time, rightly so because I shun New Year's resolutions. I have a propensity to think back and rehash the year instead and start picking up milestones and situations that stand out. I become quite emotional in the process because it is a year of my life that I could not take back regardless of what I did.

But that is done and over with and there is no sense in brooding over something that you can never get back. The best part about welcoming a new year is that indefatigable feeling that hope is within reach in just a matter of seconds. The sense of being able to start over or turn a new leaf so to speak engulfs you like the bubbly that keeps coming from your friends who would want to see you drunk. As you hear the champagne cork popped, you heave that big sigh of relief.

The time has arrived when you can think about the things that you would want to tackle or change or do without or simply pursue with a much positive vigor. You get a clean slate now and you get to allow yourself this one chance to start right. Hope is finally here.

Sure, making good on a good start is a daunting task. Heck, even just thinking about sustaining something that you started January 1st is a bit intimidating in itself.

If you made a resolution, expect to falter along the way. The most important thing to remember is to get right back on track as fast as you can. The destination does not matter. What counts is the journey that you take to get to that destination. Baby steps, I say. One day at a time, one task at a time. Do not look beyond what's in front of you at the moment. Take your time

In my case, the New Year means working on accepting the painful realization that my children are growing up and embarking on their own individual lives separate from ours.

We know as parents that one day, the time will come when our kids will be old enough to leave. We get ourselves ready for when they do finally leave the nest, so to speak. Most people I've talked to have told me that it is a wonderful thing to not have the kids at home anymore, to have the house all to yourself and to be able to do whatever you want. I have played out these scenarios a million times in my head.

I've even convinced myself that this would be good for my husband and me. I've told myself that finally, I can write in peace and enjoy my solitude without having to nag them to clean their rooms, or struggle to wake them up to get to church on time, or make sure that they pick up after themselves, or do their laundry, or worry about the girls leaving the hair dryer or the iron on, or cooking, or acting as the referee when arguments ensue.

I am sure I will get used to the change and welcome the silence and the tidiness of our home. I am sure that this new lifestyle will become endearing and priceless. I am sure that this is one luxury that I will learn to savor and appreciate for finally the time has come for me to reclaim my life.

But it is easier said than done. I truly feel that a parent who goes through what I am going through now puts on a mask. It's that kind of mask that convinces you that it is going to be OK; that it is for the best, and that it is good for them. I believe all that. But if there's one thing that this mask cannot hide it is that void in my heart that a silent home plays out to the hilt.

Letting go is really hard for me. I am thankful, appreciative and happy that my three kids have the courage to start their journey and seek their destiny. They are aggressive kids who are in three different places and who promised each other to follow their dreams.

With full force forward, I have vowed to accept this reality. More than anything else, acceptance would allow me to grow as a person and pursue a lot of the things that I used to not have the time for. Acceptance would mean giving my children the chance to spread their wings and let them live their lives as responsible and productive adults.

With full force forward, I am looking forward to this New Year as my chance to put the wheels in motion when it comes to rekindling old passions, rediscovering old hobbies, rebuilding relationships, and most important of all, becoming a better person as a child of God.

The New Year is just a week old. It is never too late to start thinking of ways to better your self and be a positive influence. Now is a great excuse to do something good, the best time to make a change. With full force forward, take that first step and never look back.

Till next time, have a great New Year!!! May 2008 bring you more blessings and happiness.