2013 – Not my best, nor my worst year.  This year has tested my patience and abilities at a time I was certain both were slipping.  I’ve learned more this year about others and myself than all my years preceding this one.  This year I had to accept failure (more than once), find more faith in myself than I have ever needed, and I’ve had to rely on others for more than just the commonplace friendship needs we all experience now and then. 

Here’s what I know. 

I know nothing will clear your head quicker than a fast horse and an open field with no holes. 

I know at the end of every day I am simply trying my best like most everyone else. 

I know who will still be there when I need them, and…

I know who will walk away. 

I know who is more interested by my failure than my success.

I know exactly what I bring to the table, baggage included.

I know my faith in my ability is valid.  I’m amazing in so many ways.

I know bad shit happens to everyone. 

Even the things you think you have covered can go south faster than migrating birds.  Don’t judge others too harshly, we all make bad decisions.  It’s not relevant how you got where you are; what matters is how you choose to move forward. 

I know people like to talk about other people and it never leads to anything positive. 
I know our world is changing and I don’t like where it’s headed.

I know I need to quit smoking.

I know there is more change ahead for me; change that I won’t expect and I won’t be able to anticipate. 

I know I’ll work it out. 

I’d love to have a list of cool improvements I plan to make, resolutions for the New Year ahead.  I’d love to say I’m getting in an exercise program, eating better, ditching the cigs, etc.  I’m going to aim a little lower this year. 

I’m going try hard to stay as amazing as I already am. 

I’m going to try to be a little better every day. 

I will continue to find humor anywhere it may be hiding. 

When I fail at any of these, I will wake up the next day ready to try harder. 

I hope 2014 is filled with all the magic and good times you deserve. 

I hope you get all you need and enough of what you want.

I hope you smile more than you cry.

I hope you are wise enough to keep what you love close by, forever can be a long time or no time at all. 

Happy New Year!