Dawn of 2014

I always feel like it is so cliché to reflect on the past as being full of ups and downs because that's simply a part of everyday life.  Without the downs, one would not know and appreciate the ups and they make those good times all the better.  All the downs are an opportunity for good and if nothing else, a good learning experience and practice for potentially harder times to come.

2013 has taught me a lot though, that I have some amazing people in my life, that stress is not only unhealthy but not productive.  There is no reason to worry about something that hasn't even happened yet and it's likely the anticipated problem won't happen anyway.  There is also a required balance that the stress level should not exceed the worthiness of the problem.  That energy spent on worrying can be much better spent on other things, whether that be a walk, good company, a hobby, self-reflection, and personal as well as professional growth.

2013 has shown me a glimpse of how I am able to push beyond my comfort zone and really grow.

2014 is fresh, full of opportunity, and blank pages. I have a lot of hope for 2014 and plenty to look forward to.

The Good:

• Beautiful weather this January 1, 2014
• Woke up thinking about cute animals and sewing projects
• Beginning the year with a wonderful new sewing machine (JUKI HZL-K85), gifted to me for Christmas 2013 by my very thoughtful boyfriend.  He did good!  I'm an amateur when it comes to sewing machines but even I know that this is a great machine and certainly the nicest I have ever operated myself!  It's computerized, has so many patterns and capabilities, has a nice light that shines where I sew, and even has a red/green light akin to a traffic light that lets me know when something is amiss and that I should "stop" sewing. #sewhappy .  I was down a lot in 2013 and he's had to be patient and put up with me.  He has been so supportive though and this is a wonderful gift that will keep on giving. #thrilled

• I have a long list of sewing projects to come!

• I will be relocating closer to my boyfriend and our families to telecommute for work starting this summer.  Finding a home during that specific time-frame to rent will be difficult, but it will be a challenge... and... "It's a good problem to have."
• Health is in my favor
• My job is wonderful
• There are so many lessons from 2013 that will serve me well for 2014, and there are plans for personal development to be a better person, to put everything in a positive perspective, to not have pity parties, and to live.

Cheers to 2014 and may you have a happy, healthy, and bold year!