A Sanctuary Walk and Thoughts For the New Year...

I took a little blog hiatus while my parents were in town so I could focus on spending as much quality time with them as possible. We did a lot of walking around, shopping, hanging out by the pool, eating out, drinking, and talking! One of my favorite things we did was go hike around a sanctuary in the everglades. It was absolutely beautiful...

Being surrounded by nature was so soothing and much needed! It was so quiet out there-the only sounds I heard were from the occasional bird singing, the boards creaking under our feet, and our conversation. It really gave me some time to reflect on the upcoming year...

A new year can often be seen as a chance to reevaluate one's life, to fix a problem for good, or just an opportunity for a fresh start and new outlook. I love hearing how hopeful and positive people become during this time of year and seeing the drive people find to achieve whatever goal or dream they've pushed aside, but now have the opportunity to take on. 

I dropped my parents off at the airport last night around six and drove off knowing that things were going to be a little bit different from here on out. The fact that it was New Years Day was merely ironic, because I would have felt this way in the middle of June. I didn't have any resolutions in mind because, while I wish everyone else nothing but the best on their goals, I needed more than just the push of a new year-I needed a revelation...

I moved away from home almost three years ago. It was a leap of faith that I took because I knew I would regret living in the same place where I grew up for the rest of my life. I had just graduated from college and had also recently called off an engagement (long story!), so I needed a change. I started dating my current boyfriend a few months after all of the post engagement madness died down, and decided that moving to south Florida with him would be a great opportunity to have one of those fresh starts. Fast forward to now...I haven't gotten very far. In fact, I feel stuck and I'm terribly homesick. A lot of relatives that I'm very close to are having babies, friends are getting married and I'm missing all of the festivities, and my best friends are living together and I can't even drive over and have a drink on the porch with them! 

I also struggle with what I want to do career wise. I have income, but like most people out there, it's not a dream job or near what I'd like to make. I know I'm not alone in this boat, but it's still tough...

I had a long talk with my dad about everything in my life and he agrees that I need to really start focusing on myself and in what direction I want my life to go. I also need to be going home more so I stay grounded and happy. 

When I stop and think about everything good in my life, I am so very blessed and fortunate. Donna Karen has a famous quote that I love: "Delete the negative; accentuate the positive."  I think I'm going to write that on my mirror next to my Pastor Joel Osteen quote I've had up for a while: "Whatever follows 'I am' will come looking for you." 

Yeah, that's lipstick...

Both of these quotes are about the power you have to make changes in your life and be the person you want to be. No one gets anywhere by sitting around feeling sad and sorry for themselves-you have to take action, have faith in yourself, and surround yourself with only positive people and things. This is something I struggle with remembering. It's definitely easier said than done...

Anyways, after the long talk we had, I feel more positive about moving forward with whatever it is I decide to do. I know I have the support of friends and family and I realize that I need to start believing in myself more. It's time for a little more self-discovery and maybe I'll even throw in a little adventure and fun along the way!

 I also wanted to mention how grateful I am to all of my new friends I've met through this blog. Every comment I receive is upbeat and encouraging and it really means the world to me! I  I can't wait to get to know you all better this year...

So, here's to making 2013 a year of positive change!

C