Happy New Year!

(via)

One week into 2015 and it already feels like it's going to be a whirlwind year. We spent the holidays on both sides of the country, celebrating Christmas with Jeff's family in Boise and bringing in the new year with mine in New York, and I'm still recovering as I jump back into work. 2014 was incredible - we thoroughly enjoyed our first full year of marriage, bought a house, had lots of mini vacations with family and friends, welcomed Hazel into the roost, and buzzed around like crazy people at work and at play. As 2015 approached like a rocket, I gave a little thought to what I hoped the new year would bring. In an unlikely move, I'm not making any resolutions this year. I usually say the same old things - I'll hit the gym, I'll be a more communicative friend, I'll try a new hobby. While those are all extremely worthwhile activities that I hope to do, I don't want to tie myself down or feel any guilt looking back on a year of my life. In addition to the many blessings that came across my lap, 2014 was a year of loss. As we work through times of sadness, it is gratifying to allow ourselves to believe that there is nothing more important than what is right in front of us. I can focus on the experience at hand, learn and grow from it, feel a greater connection to my loved ones, remember what a beautiful and fragile thing life is. Through these losses, I am reminded how much I want my life to be, while pulsing and vibrate, simple and easy and free of expectation.

I hope, not resolve, to take care of myself, to be patient, to be open, to be true to what I want, to love and laugh with abandon, to not sweat the small stuff, to be adventurous, to be comfortable. Goals will come and go, but I hope that this year, I'll pay attention to all the little things that make up the big things. If it works, focusing on my health, sharing love with my people, and exploring will come naturally and often. Now let's go take 2015 by the horns, shall we?

Happy New Year, may it bring you happiness and all the good that makes life sweet!