Remember...

Though I’ve done little in the way of blogging – and writing – this year, I felt compelled to do a year-end post. Maybe I’ll do a year-beginning post tomorrow, too! (Stranger things have happened!)

This year, like every year, I guess, was filled with ups and downs… not just for me, but for everyone, it seems. 2012 is ending up (not a moment too soon) on a sad note for much of the nation, with so much violence having taken place just recently, on the heels of the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. The economy, the animosity caused by the election, and the state of the world in general has all been so… overwhelming. It’s made the holidays, a time that’s difficult for me anyway, really, really difficult.

But tomorrow begins a new year… 2013. I’ve realized that there is little I can change about any of the things I mentioned above. But I can change the way I see the world… I can change the way I react to what happens in the world… I can. But there are a few things I have to remember in order to make this happen.

So 2013 will be, for me, 'The Year of Remembering.’

I will remember that there are more good people in the world than bad.

I will remember that living in anger and fear is a choice… a choice I will NOT make.

I will remember that what people think of me is none of my business.

I will remember that it’s not my job to try to change anyone’s mind about anything.

I will remember that being kind is more important than being right.

I will remember that when I criticize others, my own shortcomings are shining through.

I will remember that the people who love me are my family, even if they’re not related by blood.

I will remember that nothing worth having comes easily or quickly.

I will remember that my failures are lessons I need to learn in order to succeed.

I will remember that falling down is not nearly so important as getting back up again.

I will remember that what I put into Life is what I will get back.

I will remember that to receive good things, I have to open myself to them.

I will remember to love harder, laugh bigger, create more, connect in the most positive way I can with all the people around me, and to get daily doses of nature and literature and good, whole foods.

And…

 I will remember that this is the only life I’ll get, so I need to make the most of it!