We took a couple of days off at New Year’s and got away from home as a family. It is always to good take the time to just be together and have some fun. We enjoyed some board games and cards, swimming, watching football and just hanging out. One of our lunch conversations was discussing our goals for the new year.

My husband and I began our yearly goal discussion for the farm many years ago while driving home from a trip. It was a simple question about plans for the new year mostly to pass the time on a long road trip. It has become an annual topic to talk about the plans for the year to come. Some goals are simple such as finishing a project. Other goals are more in-depth and far-reaching about plans that will extend beyond the current year and impact our future for years to come. The conversations have evolved over the years as our family has grown and our farm operation has changed. I am sure that 20+ years ago that I did not even dream what we would be doing today. So, it is good to reflect too and see how far we have come.

We started our New Year’s retreat several years ago with the kids. They look forward to it, as do we. It is a wonderful time for all us to be together and feel refreshed and connected as we head into the new year.