Twenty Twelve

We have 11 and 1/2 months until the world ends! Not. I don't believe in this nonsense. Things are too great for it all to just come to end. Yes, there is war and famine and poverty and natural disaster - but there is beauty, too, all over the world. There are mountains and oceans and there is delicious foods and wines, there is marvelous fashion, there is inspirational books, art, people, music - everywhere you go. If your mind is open to it, you will see colors and patterns that you didn't let yourself see before. The sounds of many languages all coming together like one beautiful song. It is there, don't look for it, just let your senses experience it. 

I don't believe in the "New Year's Resolution." Everyday you should wake up and make new resolutions, it is just easier this way. But to keep my mind open is my hope for 2012 (I also hope we make it to 2013...kidding). Lately, I have realized how wonderful things can be if you just let them be. Growing older and welcoming yet another year is not scary, it is not a damper on life, it is not the end of childhood. It is the welcoming of more knowledge, more experiences, more people to meet and risks to take. Pretend you have wings, spread them and fly. Too often we let money or other factors hold us back from living the way life was meant to be lived. Let your resolution for 2012 be to not let ANY factor stop you. I know, I know, it's reality. I have to fight off these thoughts like a dog fighting off fleas, but when you finally realize that money or something else is holding you back, you realize what a silly and insignficant disability this really is. The world is waiting to be explored by you. Books are waiting to be read by you. Music is being created for you to listen to. Visit a museum, spend a day in the park, trade driving your car to the supermarket for a bike ride, smell a flower, no, smell the whole garden, plant a garden, eat what grows in your garden, speak kind words about anything and everything, and remember that your life is for YOU. 

It is easier said than done, I know. You are looking at the master of easier said than done. But try. If you try you can always give yourself credit for trying. It feels better to try than to give up. I have multiple role models in my life that believe failing is just not an option and I am grateful for that. 2012 is a year of success and discovery. We had our hard times, they are over. So succeed, discover, grow, and let it ALL in.

Happy New Year!