What does a "new year" really bring? For some, it's the hopes of a fresh start, dropping ten ( or thirty) pounds, taking more time out for yourself, and wishing all of the bad habits you have had since you were four would go away. I don't usually make a New Year's resolution because I know if I haven't thought about changing, doing, or getting rid of something throughout the past year, then I probably am not going to decide it is important enough to post on Facebook for the world to see and start drastically changing my life just because the calendar is changing.
Instead, I have been thinking about what 2011 was about and what I want 2012 to be for me and those close to me. 2011 was a rollercoaster, and if you are reading this and know anything about me... you know that 1. heights aren't my thing and 2. I get dizzy driving much less doing loop-de-loops. I fell victim to losing one of the greatest people I will ever know and saw first-hand how good people continuously get the short end of the stick. But good and evil seem to keep each other company and I have been blessed with another year with my family. The best family anyone could ask for and I have seen how strong and encouraging my parents are despite what this world throws at them. If I was a "NY resolution" kind of girl, it would be to be as strong, kind, helpful, and brave as my parents. To understand that even though bad things happen, good is found in every situation. To know that everything will be ok and work as hard as you can to make it that way. Yeah, be jealous that they are super-humans in this normal world. :)
I was also blessed to spend another year with someone who makes me better. Yes, this is about to get cheesy and gushy so skip this paragraph if you must :) In movies, people say when you meet your soul mate, you will just "know." If that is the case, then I am screwed. I don't "know" what I am supposedly supposed to know or feel, but I am blessed to have a best friend I can kiss :) But really, meeting someone who you think about when you wake up, or when you hear something funny on TV, or can call no matter the occasion is pretty stellar. Especially when they are attractive, SO driven, funny, extremely loyal, smart, interesting and giving... did I mention attractive? I did lose a great man in 2011, but I started to see my boyfriend change roles from over the years. From party buddy to boyfriend to love of my life, to another man that I consider great, honest, and caring. To someone who I not only look after, but who will look after me and take care of me, just like that great man I lost. No one can ever be replaced, but they can send an angel to look after you and for that , I am forever grateful.
2011 brought me a diploma and a job. A great job, but not my dream job. So I decided to go after my dream job and created Wonderland Events. Then I started thinking... "What is MY dream job?" Well, something where I can meet new people, be in a leadership role, continue to grow and become GREAT at what I do, and to have fun while doing it. I wanted to plan events for people and make them feel special. Feeling special is a great gift and if I could give that to someone, then that's what I want to do, but as I got deeper and deeper into my "real" job, I realize that in a way, it had sort of turned into my dream job. I was named the Director of Programs and Events and given big projects to work on with lots of great vendors and speakers...like Sarah Blakely who created Spanx and Congressman Lynn Westmoreland who is so much fun to hear speak. I started a young professionals program and have got to work with planning new events and conferences with people my age... whoo!! And to put the cherry on top, I adore my boss, co-workers, and board of directors. So in a way, my dreams were right in front of me and Wonderland Events got pushed to the side. I'm not giving up on WE, but for now, I am just having fun getting more event experience and loving my job. I know I will eventually turn WE into a more of a job than hobby, but who said that had to be at 22 years old?
2012 is another year to add to my life and another year that I am sure will come with guns to a knife fight, but I will take it with stride and try to make it count. That is all I ever want to do, make IT count. Make the memories last, make everyday matter, and be thankful for what I have been given. Think about what life would be like if you woke up and only had the things you said thanks for the night before... what would you have left when you woke? May 2012 bring you as much adventure as I hope it brings me. May you find whatever resolution you are looking for and make it count.
Best Wishes and Luck for the New Year
