Happy New Year

My favorite thing about the New Year is all the hope that comes with it. Everyone is hoping for something. I have loved seeing determined resolutions, goals, mantras, word of the year, etc. It has only fueled my excitement for what the new year holds.

I always like to start my new year with looking over my planner and organizing things like work, travel, family plans, and special occasions. This year I decided to make my own planner and it has been so much fun! I have included just about every little thing I have ever wanted to have in a planner and it is amazing! I was trying to figure out why I have always felt the need to start my year off planning. I may be a little bit OCD when it comes to organizing and needing to have things written out and planned for, but I also realized that with a new year comes a lot of unknown. Due to that unknown, I think I tend to feel the need to plan for what I do know! It's just one of those ways I've learned to cope with stress/anxiety.

I have absolutely loved this Holiday Season. It was Declan's first one and it was pure magic. Though through all of these amazing moments my heart has ached for those who were robbed of them. I know a few people who were, and are, currently going through some of the hardest trials in their life. It is during these times that I am so grateful for Faith. Faith that things will move forward, and get better with time.

No matter how good life is, or seems to be right now, we can never predict the future. Life can change in an instant. Having that in the forefront of mind this past Holiday Season, I was determined to be a little more present, to laugh and play with Declan a little longer, to just simply sit and enjoy those around me. It made me more grateful for my health, mentally and physically, for my loved ones, and all the comforts I have been blessed with.

I watched a movie the other day that really helped to remind me, yet again, how important relationships, especially family relationships, really are. How desperately I want to be a good mother so that I can raise good people who can make a positive impact on others and the world around them. How I want to be a better wife. How I want to be a better friend, neighbor, or random person in the store who gives you back the socks your child pulled off and dropped two isles back. How I want to better focus on what is truly the most important things in my life. Things that bring me joy, strengthen my faith, give me purpose, make me humble, give me drive, ambition, and energy. I am far from where I would like to be but that is why I love the New Year.

For me all it means is that we have yet another chance to be better, to learn, grow, change, and work towards where we would like to be. So I never set detailed goals, set in stone, because I don't believe you are a failure if you don't meet them by the end of this year. Who knows what life is going to throw at you this year. All that matters is that you worked a little harder to get to where you want to be. And by doing that you will always have a reason to celebrate! So Happy New Year to all of you! May 2019 be the best year yet!

Cheers