Twenty Twelve

I have heard both sides of the story. One says that new years should be a time to reflect back on the past year and continue on into the new year sans resolutions and the more popular one says that we should plan for new and better things in the coming year. People argue that starting a year without resolutions is a way to continue on being "yourself" and while I respect this idea I believe that new years resolutions are simply glorified goals for the new year. You are still being true to yourself if you are going about achieving your goals in a way that follows your morals and ideals. If you have a firm grasp on who you are then making a resolution is in no way going to make you a different person, just a better, happier version of yourself. Resolutions are for people that enjoy bettering themselves. This is why I am a resolution maker.

The year 2011 was both the best and worst year of my life. It may seem contradictory but it is in every way true. I have struggled with money but have a wonderful job, I have struggled with multiple health issues but have made friends who I finally feel comfortable enough to confide in, I have struggled with self-esteem and ghosts of my last relationship but have found a man who cares enough to help me through it.

Though this year was full of extreme highs and lows I believe that I have grown and learned more than ever. It feels cliche to say that 2012 will be the best year ever so I won't say that, but I will say this: a new year brings a feeling of starting over, another chance. It feels like life's way of giving us a little reprieve and saying, 'go ahead, give it another go!' So while it may not be destined to be the best year ever, 2012 finds me optimistic, hopeful, and full of determination.