2007 was a blur. It seems that time moves faster each year. I haven’t even finished my New Year’s resolution from last January: to reorganize my files. However, I guess that makes this year’s resolution easy: finish last year’s resolution. With the whole year just whizzing by I thought it would be interesting to look back at the highlights of 2007. It certainly had its moments. We endured celebrity meltdowns (could we possible hear more about Britney?) and the Sanjaya effect on American Idol. We reminisced when the Osmonds returned to the spotlight on Oprah and Dancing with the Stars. It was a year in which a politician won the Nobel Peace Prize. We had our losses as a country, from the death of the beloved Robert Goulet to the shock of the Virginia Tech shootings. And who would have predicted that people would stand in line for blocks to pay $600 for a new cell phone? For me, I will remember it as the year the Harry Potter saga came to a close with the release of the seventh and final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

As I look forward to 2008, I see it as a year of politics and change. Both of my children will move to a new school, my oldest to high school and youngest to middle school. My son Kyle is very interested in politics. He is looking forward to 2009 and the inauguration of a new president. In contrast, I am looking forward the next Harry Potter movie. I anticipate a very busy year which can make it difficult to slow down and live in the moment. In our feature article, Mind Your Body, I found some great advice. A simple Buddhist phrase aptly captures the essence of mindfulness: Chop wood, carry water. "In other words, if you’re chopping wood, do that. If you’re carrying water, do that. Focus your mind to be fully present and attuned to whatever you’re doing," notes Cyndi Lee, founder of OM Yoga in New York City and author of Yoga Body, Buddha Mind. I find that when I make time to practice yoga everything flows. Maybe if I practice my yoga regularly then I will manage to reorganize my files!

This month we help you kick off a new year with suggestions for mind-body fitness on page 28. You’ll find tips to keep your kids healthy through the winter season and learn how to size up dog parks on page 34. Plus we bring you help for achieving your goals on page 38. What do you choose for your new year? Here’s to a memorable 2008.

Happy New Year!

Kris Urquhart, Editor