I love the Jewish New Year. It is always full or promise, hope and new beginnings. At the same time, it is difficult to reflect on the past year. It is a bittersweet process to examine one’s highs and lows of what was accomplished and neglected during the year.

This past year I experienced the extraordinary, one-in-a-lifetime event – the birth of my son and daughter twins. Their presence in my life cannot be expressed properly with words. Along with the two added little people in my life accompanied more complexity. There are more groceries, more bills, more crying, and many more diapers in my home. But there is also a lot more love, fun and adventure in my life. And then there is also a lot less – less time for friends, idleness, coffee dates, sleep and general frivolity.

My biggest struggle with this past year is how the combination of my “mores” and my “lesses” has created an equation for mediocrity. Please don’t misunderstand me. By no means do I think my life is mediocre. I actually think my life is quite fabulous. I love my kids, my friends, my community and my job. I simply feel that my various roles are being played quite mediocre. My “mores” and “lesses” haven’t allowed me to be “excellent” at any one thing anymore. I cannot work ten hours a day and be the best professional or play with my children all the time and be the best most patient mother.

So, my New Year’s intention: beyond mediocrity. Shana tova u’metukah – a good and sweet year – to all!