{Happy New Year!}
With the fresh start we are so graciously granted in our minds each New Year, we have the opportunity to reflect on our previous year, and decide what goals we have for the coming 365 days. I'm not one to make the traditional New Year's Resolutions like "lose weight" or "read more" that often fizzle out by the end of February, but this year after much self reflection and observation and inspiration, I have come to only one conclusion: I am the only one that can prevent my happiness, so in 2011 my resolution is to not stand in the way of my true happiness, but to offer it encouragement.
Overall, the later part of my twenties have been years of profound growth; each year I learn a bit more about who I am, what I stand for, and what I will tolerate. At times I have felt like the victim of someone else's negative energy, doomed to suffer in order to make it out on the other side. With a little inspiration from a great quote from a movie, I've learned that the moral of the story is, "It's not the power of the curse, it's the power you give the curse".
I reserve the right to the following curse-debilitating choices:
- remove myself from the toxic influence of everything that would attempt to bring me down.
- say Sianara! to the Negative Nancy's, and all of the influences effecting my choice of a positive state of mind or cause me to doubt myself.
- pursue my dreams, and let nothing stand in my way.
- say Welcome! to my supporters, cohorts and the positive energy and love that really is surrounding me.
I am the only one that can control what it is I chose to focus on, and the outcome of the choices I make.
Likewise, I have learned yet again that good friends are hard to come by, and therefore all the more worth keeping. I will support and love them the way they do me, be a loyal, listening ear of comfort when times are challenging, and a positive light of inspiration whenever I can! I have the wonderful ability to choose who will influence me, and the wonderful people that are a part of my life today make life that much more special, memorable, and joyful. My next step is to just keep going, all the while finding ways to demonstrate my gratitude for all those and that which I have been blessed.
This natural high on life has been an active, yet easy choice, and declaring it aloud I hope will keep me accountable. I am starting afresh in 2011, rising even higher, reaching for those dreams and goals, treasuring all that I have and those that I love... those that keep me grounded, make me laugh, keep me sane, and inspire me!
Here's to a new start and a refreshed perspective! xx
