Happy New Year!

I just wanted to say that I’m very grateful for this past year and I’m looking forward to more growth, love, and adventures in 2016. I’m going to be 25 in about eleven months - quarter century here I come!

Looking back on 2015, I really felt like I made an effort to reconnect with myself and realize what I loved about my life and what changes were needed. I discovered which friends were truly treasures and which ones I grew apart from. I met amazing people and went to even more amazing places. I learned a lot about my resilience, but also my weaknesses. But weaknesses aren’t necessarily a bad thing. I think they have to be there in order to find strength. This past year I’ve realized how good it could be to just be alone and how important it was to always be myself and to make sure I am always improving and becoming a better person.

I was able to communicate and have much delayed conversations with my family. I think we all know each other a little better and I hope that I’ve been able to open their minds,
if even just a little.

My New Years resolutions this year will be a short list, but I’m hoping that a little will go a long way.

1. Realize that when you are offended, it isn’t necessarily a personal attack, but a result of insecurity or animosity because of people’s situations. Perceive past the surface and try to understand why they think and act the way they do, with a little patience. Let things go and see it as an opportunity to spread awareness.
2. Meditate, write, and read the news everyday.
3. Exercise at least 4x a week (Hot Yoga on Wednesdays)
4. Create art more often, at least once a week.
5. Be grateful, be kind, be compassionate. Every single day.

The world is a scary place and life is a difficult road. But with a little love and a lot of passion, we can all do what we can to make people feel a little less jaded and have a little more faith in humanity. I think that’s why my first New Years resolution is so important. I need to make sure that before I get offended or get on the defensive, I need to put myself in other people’s shoes and realize where they are coming from. I need to work on letting things go, because when people hurt others, it isn’t always out of spite, but out of a lack of knowledge or perception.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

I want 2016 to be about positive change and growth. Not just for me, but for everyone and whoever I can help nurture.