How often we've heard or seen the statement "Today is the first day of the rest of your life" – And how hackneyed the phrase seems to have become!

Yet today, approaching the first day of the new millennium ..with all my resolve not to get caught up in the hype, it has come to have new meaning.

Typically, at this time of year, we sit back and reflect on what has been, what might have been and then consider our future. New Year's ‘resolutions' we called them. I don't know about you, but for me they were often guilt based, coming from a negative orientation - like resolving to lose weight, exercise, visit family more often.

Then came the more focused, ‘need'- based ‘goals'...the drivers of acquisition, accomplishment and acceptance. An "outside" perspective, in other words.

And now as the years move on we begin to appreciate, even want, greater balance in life. We talk of a personal Vision. We build a picture of our ‘ideal life' – and then struggle to make it real. At least, it's been a struggle for me.

This year I'm approaching it differently...more of an "inside / out" perspective. Rather than trying to build something (the vision) which may or may not have a solid foundation, I'm looking to be more of who I really am.

It takes courage. It takes effort. It means looking at my life, my entire life, considering my values, accomplishments and failures. Thinking about what works and what doesn't. What brings joy -- and what doesn't. It also means taking a hard look at the areas in my life where I've been "holding back" out of fear of disapproval - or failure.

Then come the questions. Having some sort of an idea of what the outside world may look like over the next year or two, and knowing a little bit more about who I really am; where can I build on my strengths? Where do I want to make adjustments and improvements? More particularly where - and how - do I apply myself for mutual benefit?

The answers don't come easily and may not be complete for this rather artificial ‘line in the sand'. But for me, tomorrow will be the first day of the rest of my life. How about yours?