Welcome to the new year! Time sure passes quickly. I just got used to the idea of Thanksgiving being around the corner and now we’ve morphed through Christmas and have ushered in a new year.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t make new year’s resolutions.  I never have, and many people I speak to feel the same way. But it is good to have goals and expectations for the upcoming year. So, what tools can we use to achieve those goals?

One Word. I’ve heard quite a few people saying they pick one word for the year. It can be anything from; exploration, fitness, time, family. Instead of trying to keep a resolution, the word can be a reminder of the things that are important to you this year. Perhaps you need to be more aware of your time. Or choosing to be with family more. Or you want to get out of your comfort zone. There’s no failure if you don’t carry through, but it’s amazing how one word can stick in your mind for a long period and make you think about what you’re after.

Healthy Lifestyle. If you have a gym membership, I’m sure you’ve seen the gym fill up in January. We all want to shed those unwanted pounds from the holiday parties. Being healthy is a choice. You work out, or you don’t. You eat well, or you don’t. I do belong to a gym and if left up to me, I’d skip often. So knowing that about myself, I make sure to attend classes. I enjoy those days, and find that the more I learn in class, the more I don’t mind going on the off days and working out alone.  It’s all about finding a rhythm that works for you.

This is also the time of year I notice those unwanted pounds. I’ve been a lifetime member of Weight Watchers for many years. I need the accountability to maintain a healthy weight. Sure, I slip up, but I have the program to get me back on track. That’s the thing about joining groups like this, there are people there to help you. Don’t be afraid to admit you need help. We all do from time to time. Asking is the first step toward change.

Living Well. I try to carve out my personal time with God, an intentional time I spend with our heavenly Father. Some days are better than others. Perhaps you like to take a Bible study to stay on track. Or join a prayer group. Or get out of bed fifteen minutes earlier in the morning. There’s nothing more fulfilling than time spent with the Lord to make us better people.

One area of my life that I don’t need to fix is my reading habit. I’m sure if you read this blog you’re the same way. Reading will always be my go-to, no matter what is going on in my life. Each year I try to discover an author or two I’ve never read before. It’s fun to start a new series or find someone who tells stories I fall in love with.

I hope you look forward to the new year. It’s exciting, a little daunting and always an adventure. Who knows what might happen in 2020!

New in February 2020

Always the One

She’s the love of his life…

…but is he still hers?

FBI agent Derrick Matthews has finally found his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life—but she isn’t exactly happy about it! Years ago, Hannah Rawlings disappeared overnight when her family went on the run, and she blames Derrick. She tells him she’s moved on and he should, too, but Derrick fears Hannah’s still in danger. He vows to protect her—even if that means betraying her trust…again.

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her next Harlequin Heartwarming romance, ALWAYS THE ONE, available in February.  For more information about her books, visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletterand receive a link to download a free digital book.