This year has brought so much. New people were brought into my life and one close friend was taken to heaven. I moved into my own house. I spent some time in some great places. I was blessed with new families with new children to take care of. I've come a long way as an artist. I learned and am still learning how to represent myself and reach for my goals. I've realized how much the people dear to my heart mean to me, and learned to really treasure those relationships.
What's next?
I guess as a metaphoric new chapter begins, I'll take that opportunity to refocus my energy and set some goals for myself. Let's make 2012 the best year yet.
Stop and smell the roses. I want to take more time each day to appreciate the little things around me. This world is such an amazing place and I often times take it for granted. There is so much beauty in life that deserves more attention. Pull over to look at the sky. Play the song you really enjoyed one more time. Listen to what someone is saying. ENJOY the little things.
Take better care of myself. I want to present myself better because I do care about my own well being, and I think that that should show. I should probably start brushing my hair... but that might be pushing it! I want to really watch the food that I'm putting in my body and learn more about how it affects me. I want to sweat. I want to exercise more. I want to be strong!
Explore new things. This year I would really like to go to Alaska. But besides that I want to see new places that are around me. There is so much in Milwaukee that I have yet to explore; so much ground in Wisconsin and the surrounding states that I have yet to walk on.
Step outside of my comfort zone. I want to volunteer. I want to travel. I want to meet new people. I want to push myself to do things that I am not necessarily comfortable with. I want to try new things!
Soak up some knowledge. This semester in school I'd like to do better than I've ever done. I'd like to push myself as far as I can go because I did exactly the opposite last semester. I want to show myself that I am capable of doing well. I'd also like to gain something from the thousands of dollars that I'm spilling out to the university. This also means I'd like to read more; whether that be fictional books or articles on the internet... inform me!
Maintain and nurture relationships. There are some truly wonderful people in my life that I treasure. I don't think that I tell these people enough how much they mean to me and I want to make that a goal to nurture them. I want to reach out better to keep in touch with the friends that are distant when times are busy. I want to stay surrounded by such great friends because they really do lift me up.
Be selfless. Quite honestly, I've struggled with being selfish my whole life. I suppose it's human nature to want what's best for yourself and that's not always a bad thing. But this year I want to GIVE. I want to give my time and helping hand to others. I want to put people who need me at the top of my priorities--friends, loved ones, even people I don't know. Love.
