I have to admit I've dreaded this day, the one-year anniversary of my mom's death. Yet I woke up this morning feeling like I was able to take my first deep breath in a long time (like, a year). I'm still here. So are my wonderful children, husband, siblings and friends. The coffee still brewed, and the Sunday paper still arrived. And when I opened it, I found some new inspiration heading into the new year.

In today's Parade Magazine, there's a story about a book called "A Simple Act of Gratitude." The author, John Kralik, was at a particularly low point in his life personally, professionally and physically. He was out hiking when he heard a voice telling him that rather than focusing on what he wanted or didn't have, he should be thankful for what he did have. He decided to start writing thank you's to people in his life, one each day for a year. Even the "smallest" of thank you's, like to the barrista who remembered his name each time he bought coffee, had an unbelievable impact. The project turned his life – and the lives of others- around.

I have yet to read the book, but it got me to thinking about thanking my mom today. Even though she and I never had a Hallmark-card type of relationship, she influenced my life in many positive ways: realizing the importance of education, focusing on becoming a good writer, developing my gift for singing and providing a structured, secure homelife that I could rely on. No, not warm and fuzzy, but it contributed to my confidence, drive and happiness…and to my ultimate goal of becoming a published author.

Gratitude looking back…and moving forward now into 2012. Sounds like the perfect resolution to begin the new year. So thanks, Mom. And thank you…for sharing this moment with me! Happy New Year!