Each year the average person makes at least one New Year’s resolution. The challenge comes with maintaining the resolution throughout the year. The holidays are coming to a close and you may have had a short reprieve with family and friends nearby. As the primary caregiver, it’s now time to pick up the mantle once again.

Your list of responsibilities is long and I want to offer you zero-fail C.P.R. tips to help you Connect to Push through each day and Relax into the New Year.

1. Connect with a virtual or physical support group specializing in the condition or diagnosis of your loved one.

As time goes by elements of their condition can and will change. There is a wealth of knowledge and resources out there and support groups are typically current on the latest information. In the last several weeks, I have connected with a number of parents of children with special needs and we have shared stories, resources that have improved our lives and the life of our children.

2. Push back on the tendency to carry the weight of previous year with you.

This is behind you and you cannot go back and make changes. If you must ponder, give yourself only ten minutes and capture the ways you can improve and move on. As Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

3. Relax and allow yourself time to start the New Year.

Take the first thirty days to map out the first few months. The three month view allows you to see far enough to plan and chart your course. Not to mention the small block of time is less overwhelming than looking at the full year. Place any appointments, therapy, doctor visits for your loved ones on the calendar and/or smart device. Catherine has at least three appointments to specialists at the beginning of each year along with her weekly therapy. I organize my calendar to visualize my obligations and this gives me a sense of order and peace.

Remember you’ve been on this journey for a while and you have what it takes. Do not look too far ahead, take it one day at a time and make the best of it.