better;

     Happy New Year, Everyone! I feel like it's only natural to reminisce on the old, fading year as the new one comes racing in. It's very human to remember, regret, recall, and relive old memories; especially around the time of a New Year. 2012, for me, was a year to remember. A year of firsts, a year of lasts, a year of revealed secrets, a year of love, a year of loss. As I sit here recalling, laughing, shaking my head at all the memories I've made this year, there's no feeling of regret; at all. While there are memories I might be ashamed of, I can't say that I regret them because at one point they were exactly what I wanted. Thinking back on them now, they might seem a little off; but they helped form who I am at this exact moment, and I think that's very important.

     I am very grateful for all the experiences I had this past year. I am SO looking forward to 2013. Like most people, I have a resolution for myself: to run everyday. I've stuck to it so far, but I don't know how long it will last. Overall, though, I just want to be a little better at everything. I want to focus on being a better person, a little bit at a time. The problem with many resolutions made is that they are too drastic, too sudden, too groundbreaking. Maybe, like this picture suggests, we should start with baby steps. 


     -Love a little bolder; you probably love a lot of people in your life. Let them know! 
     -Laugh a little louder; because as a very good friend of mine once said: "Laughing is so great. I wish I could laugh all day, every day." I totally agree. It really is the best medicine. 
     -Stand a little taller; know yourself. Be proud. Be confident. 
     -Be a little braver; reach out, help others, and don't be afraid of saying what you really feel. 
     -Dream a little bigger; don't be afraid, those dreams are attainable. 
     -Make the world a little brighter; you have something to offer. Let the world know. Be patient. Be kind.  Be good. Be loving. Be accepting. Be positive. 

     There you have it: love, laugh, stand, be, dream, and make. Some of my goals for the year. I encourage you to make some goals for yourself. Not necessarily a resolution per say, because I know many people are against them. Just some ways for you to be better, little by little. The world could use some better. 

xx