Twenty Twelve

As usual, I'm spending this morning thinking about 2011 and all that the past year has brought. Since I've been writing this blog, this is the fourth New Year's Eve to come and go, and with it plenty of reflection and resolution. I'm sure life will slow down and pick up, but I must say that the past four years have been filled with some of life's most enormous changes, making way for lots to consider on New Year's Eve. 2011 was one of the most exciting, and crazy, years so far. We survived and thrived through a year of long distance; I made the decision to move to Boise; I packed up my New York life and said goodbye to friends, family, a job, an apartment; Jeff and I moved in together; I started a new job; I'm making a new life for myself. When I think about 2012 and the wonderful joys of another year, I say bring it on. I love my life, and I know that this coming year will be extraordinary on many levels. There is still a lot of settling down and settling in to do, but I'm thrilled to be where I am, with love and happiness to spare, looking forward to what's to come.

Resolutions for 2012:

Exercise! I started taking hot yoga at Sumit's Yoga over a month ago and am loving it. Except for dance, this has been the best kind of exercise that I've tried so far. I see how fit, healthy, and happy this kind of yoga can make people, and it's inspiring to go to class and watch Boise's yogis kicking butt. I want to push myself to get stronger and work harder.

Make new friends! For anyone who's spoken to me in the last few months, this is clearly on my mind. I love my home, my job, my new city, and the icing on the cake will be a great group of girlfriends. This is the one piece of the puzzle that I can't control, but I strive to take the bull by the horns and put myself out there.

Try new things! I probably say this every year, but that's because it's important to me. I love the feeling of succeeding at a new achievement, and I want to give myself more time to do so. I've taken stabs at DIY projects and have been cooking and baking up a storm this year, trying new recipes and techniques. I'm proud of what I've created and I want to become more confident to take on new ideas.

Live in the moment! I mentioned this the other day, and there's a personal story behind it. A few weeks ago while attending a sporting event, my first impulse was to ask someone to take a picture of us. He who shall not be named turned to me and said something along the lines of "Let's just enjoy ourselves, in the moment." As rudimentary as that may seem, a light bulb went off in my mind. Sometimes, I want so badly for days, events, meals to go well that I spend more time trying to make them perfect than I do actually enjoying whatever messy, delightful, chaotic moment is in front of me. I have a great life - right here, right now - and it is up to me to take it all in, one moment at a time.

Love! This practically goes without saying - to be a loving, caring person who shares that infectious positivity with everyone around me. Life is yours to love and to celebrate.

Happy New Year and lots of love!

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