When I was thinking about what to write about for this blog, it suddenly hit me that it was New Year’s Day, and it would be kind of hard to ignore this milestone.

Yet, I didn’t want to write about resolutions - resolutions that most of us don’t keep anyway. I prefer to look at the future as an evolution – an evolution into a new phase of our lives.

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I think what’s most exciting about the new year is the unknown. There are things we know will happen, but we’re not sure how they will affect our lives. For example: My youngest will begin the driving process. She takes drivers ed in the spring, and will have her permit, hopefully, by summer. While this is our second go-around with a teenage driver, each child is different, and I’m sure it will be an adventure.

Another example: My oldest will be going to college. At this point, we don’t know exactly what college she will attend. This great unknown doesn’t just affect her – but it affects our family’s plans for the second half of the year. Wherever she lands, we want to be a part of helping her get settled and make regular visits - or as regular as she will allow us.

And these are just the things we know about. There are many things that will happen that can significantly alter our timeline if you think about it in social media terms -both good and bad things.

As for my personal evolution, I plan to hike 26.2 miles in May to support Make-A-Wish of Eastern North Carolina. I’ve never really hiked before, so this is a big deal for me. I’m very excited to take on this physical challenge and support this very important cause.

Also, I'm hoping this year will be the year my writing transitions from just nonfiction into fiction. I have written my first complete novel and hope to publish it soon.
So, I expect 2018 will involve a lot of evolution for my family. Some expected; some unexpected.

Either way, we will be changed by it, which is the real meaning of the word “evolution.” And with every change comes the bright new possibility of remembering someone you were supposed to be ...

Amanda is the mom of two, a reporter for WRAL-TV and the author of several books including some on motherhood. Find her here on Mondays.