cin cin !

Wow, wowwowowowowwow, where to begin? I'll start with Happy New Year, and that I hope you all had a wonderful, cozy holiday! I've really missed you all, and have missed doing this.

I can't believe it's been SO long.

I am without a single concrete reason for my absence the past two months; except for that there has just been so much going on that's been pulling my time and heart away from the computer.  I've also been at a standstill with some facets of my life, which can make me feel momentarily helpless until I am able to pull things back into perspective.  I'm sure you guys know what this feels like, and similarly, how good it feels to snap back.   Taking control more often in a control-less world is something I'd like to work on for the new year.  Even if it's just a blog post, whatever sparks that fire, that is what I'd like to do more of.  It's the cheapest, most effective therapy, don’t you think?

For 2012, I would also like to keep it simple, and go actually follow through with the following*…

(1) Floss more often and stretch more often

(2) Be a better listener

(3) Do as my brave friend Brooke just did and save up money to go somewhere I REALLY want to go.  While I have a couple of places in mind (more on this later), Brooke jetted off to India.  This one is actually a twofur, as it dares to accomplish both a solo trip AND the phenomena of saving (yes, this is a phenomena to me).

(4) Be conscious of Desiderata on a daily basis….

Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.  - Max Ehrmann

What is everyone else looking forward to in 2012?? I'd REALLY love to hear! Cheers to a new year full of love, growth, peace, adventure, mistakes, wisdom, happiness and inspiration (pfew!), and as always, thank you for sticking by me and my blog for over a year now! xo.


* You can be sure there is some sort of getting into shape intention somewhere in there, too.  Oh yeah, there totally is.
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