What I would really like to do is spend time alone so I could learn more about myself. I've found that going from my parents to a marriage and then having kids - I have lost 'me'. (Rememeber in the movie The Badger Sisters where she says "I've lost me' - that's what I want. I don't remember what I like to do for fun, I don't remember what I like to eat/drink. I would like to get to know that person - who am I, what do I like to do. I'm looking for a good workbook with quizzes that might help me to research this new person.

Oh, I hear ya! Our biology/psychology as women to put others first really hits us in the butt when the loss of self catches up to us.

Yours is a solid resolution that only you can act on. No one else is going to express much interest in whatever process you choose to bring it to fruition. BUT - I bet those around you will appreciate the results when they have a stronger, wiser, less ethereal person to interact with.

If you think it will help, go to the bookstore and look in the self-improvement section. You'll probably gain plenty from just spending some contemplation time alone. You're still there, deep down inside!

PamM, I know that feeling! I remember when I was the daughter-in-law, Glen's wife, my children's mother and all those things were good but I felt like I had no personal identity! My hobbies had gone by the wayside over the years as other demands took over and the only one I had been able to hang onto was my passion for reading. It was not uncommon for me to still be up with my nose in a book when my husband's alarm went off at 4 am for milking time!

As time went on, I was able to find bits and pieces of myself. Currently I am a freshman in college after a 31 year break and I am having a ball searching for who I want to be!

Don't get too discouraged--just keep searching. We get so wrapped up in raising our children that we do tend to lose ourselves in the process. The discovery process is one I am enjoying--you will, too! Good luck--You can be whatever you want to be, (as Cinderella said from her own little corner in her own little chair).

I started my new year's resolution at the end of November. I'm a writer who's finally gotten back into writing after life got in the way, so now I'm full speed ahead. Not only am I submitting my women's fiction once again to publishers, I also am doing the marketing on my own project reflecting my last four years' life experience. So as hard as it is, at times, I'm determined to move forward in 2008 and make it the best year ever. elaine