Get back up again

This week has been an emotional rollercoaster and I am really glad that the week is over. I was reminded this week that there are people out there that are lacking in self-confidence and are jealous so the way that they get to feel better about themselves is to put others down. Mildly speaking, I was thrown under the bus and then was dragged to the principal's office to be questioned about the bus incident. Normally, I really do not pay too much attention to what others say about me, but when I feel that my character and integrity are questioned, I take that very personal. I guess I just never saw that my losing weight would result in harsch comments made by others. In addition to hearing about that, I also was reminded about hw others might feel inadequate and are using me as their scapegoat so as to defer attention from themselves. It has been extremely difficult when those people that you thought would support you and stand up for you in those situations don't. I have questioned others that I believe would tell me the truth about the things being said, and have even apologized to a few in case something I said or did might have been miscontrued. They all assured me that these comments being said about me were preposterous. I am not so naive to believe that everyone will like me all of the time - that would be impossible. However, when comments are said that bring in my boss and affect my work, then I have no choice but to become defensive. I have spoken to a few close friends about these latest issues and have felt better (yes, they are being my Micks) after having done so. As a reminder to myself, I wrote, "You are stronger because of what comes your way, not because of what doesn't." This is a reminder in my office and I will continue to tell myself this every day. I refuse to let them win, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. It would be easier of I knew what to do next and how to handle this, but we are doing the best we can. I have to get back up again and continue on my quest to be the me I need and want to be in this life. I have the same one chance you do and I have come too far to let it go now. When you are faced with these kinds of situations, dust yourself off, learn something, and get back up. Understand that no matter what, you will succeed and never let them see you where they want you to be. They don't win, unless you let them.

Why not?

Last year in 2010, I designated that year as the year of "Yes" - meaning that I would be open to new ideas, new adventures, and be open to risk. This year, I have designated 2011 as the year of "Why not?" - why not try to go farther than I ever have gone before, why not take more risks and chances to make myself better in every way. I recently received the February 2011 issue of Oprah magazine and found an article I want to share with you written by Martha Beck. It talks about what questions we need to ask ourselves in order to change our lives. There are 20 total, but I have narrowed it down to the 6 that seem to mean the most to me. I have started a separate journal to write down my answers and may post my reflections of those answers in later posts.

Here are the questions that I am focusing on:
1. What questions should I be asking myself? (try for at least 3 questions a day)
2. Is this what I want to be doing?
3. How do I want the world to be different because I lived in it? (live by design, not by accident)
4. How do I want to be different because I lived in the world? (in small ways or large, your life will change the world - in small ways or large, the world will change you.)
5. What do I love to practice? (Doing what you long to do, despite fear, will accomplish this.)
6. Repeat again, is this what I want to be doing?

I have to believe that we all have a place and purpose and we all want to leave the world better than it was when we got here. It has been mentioned to me that people have noticed that I am different and am not the same Michelle. I agree with that statement, but think this Michelle is so much better than the old Michelle. I feel more than I ever have and am more of "me" than I have ever let people see before. Why not let myself follow my heart instead of tryng to dictate and plan my life? Why not figure out what feeds my passion and lets me "shine"? Why not try something new, even if it means I might fail? Someone once told me that whenever we try something new, that there are usually two feelings that go along with it - excitement and fear, but that she knew that she just had to try. I have to try at making this world better because I lived in it. I have to believe that I am better because of the world's experiences have brought me here. Why not ask questions that I have never asked before and not just stop there - I have to answer these questions if I expect anything to change. "To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did." Why not?

Your Everything, part 2

I had some time to think yesterday as I was driving to visit my college son yesterday and I was thinking about this posting the other day. I had just spoken to a very good friend and I admitted that I have not given this one chance at life my everything. Then, I thought about that more. I have learned that I have to forgive myself as much, if not more, than I forgive others for shortcomings. You may have the same thoughts I do - you have not given your life your everything. Then, I asked the question, "Did I give it everything I could AT THE TIME?" Was I capable of more, but didn't give it? I do not know if I will ever know the answer to that question. When I first started running, I was out of shape, overweight, and a little groggy (at 5am) and could not run 100 yards without hoping the oxygen machine was at the end of that run. Did I give it my everything (whatever that consisted of at the time) when I first started running with Rocky? Yes, I did. That was my reality. Now, I have more to give, therefore I have to give more - everything I currently have. Being able to look back and wish we could change things is a great wish, but something that we can never do. We didn't have then what we have now so our "everything" is different. If you live your life to the fullest, with what you currently have with your whole heart, then you can say you have given your everything. I am willing to push myself to be better than I was the day before - the fire inside is that strong and it will never diminish. My motivation is not something that I have felt in a long time and the passion is there forever. Whatever you have, whatever you are going through in life - give your life your everything. The best part is that the more you strive for more, you achieve more, you grow more, you are changed and because of that your everything changes every day. Give your everything everyday. You will not be sorry you did.

Ambassador of Hope

It has been time since we went to worship, but we went tonight. Whatever your religion and however you worship, I hope it brings you calm in an otherwise chaotic world. It always makes me feel better after going. The message today was joyful and mentions that we are Ambassadors of Hope when we sit in the emergency room, waiting to hear about a friend's loved one; when we send a card to a family member just to say you were thinking about them; when we tell our story to others. Hope makes us believe that there is a tomorrow after today might have been the toughest day of your life. I cannot imagine what that must feel like having hugged a friend tonight who just buried her husband this morning. One of the songs they played tonight was "Lean on Me" and it reminded me that we all need to lean on others and allow others to lean on us too. Another woman shared how she lost her daughter in November to an illness, but she still carries hope. Even in tragedy, when we think that there is no deeper hole to be in, we can find hope. Hope in the kindess of strangers; hope in a smile from a friend; hope in a hug from someone you want to get to know better. When the decisions we make find us in circumstances we never hoped to be in, we have to find hope. It will define our character and mold us to appreciate what is really important. I dropped to my knees today and was humbled when I looked at what others are going through compared to me - there really is no comparison. Times like these remind us to be grateful and to find blessings where we are because they do exist. Show the world that you are thankful for your life and continue to show the world hope by your grace and forgiveness of others. Be ambassadors to each other, around the world. Together, we can change the world.

Your everything

This week has been emotionally draining and tiring. I would be lying if I said I am not glad that it is over. I have been reminded this week about life and those little moments we all take for granted, and how time is never anything we can get back once it is gone. The song that gets me really motivated to change my life is called, "Motions" by Matthew West. There is a portion of the song where where the lyrics say, "I don't want to spend my life asking what if I had given my everything instead of going through the motions." That is where I am right now and I actually get very upset about the thought I could be wasting time doing something totally irrelevant. We never know how much time we have in our lives. My Mission Statement highlights my lack of regrets so far in my life, and I am not about to start now. If I had to ask myself if I have given my everything, my answer would be no. Well, no more waiting for me. I am done with the status quo and waiting for my life to lead me - I am taking control and going to give my life my everything. I have given more of my everything in the last 12 months that I have probably done my entire life. What becomes important when you have signs that remind you that you are alive and that your work is not yet done. Tonight, I have friends that are mourning their husband and father while another friend is mourning the loss of her mother in law. Personally, we have dealt with four deaths in the last four weeks. As I mentioned earlier - no one is promised a tomorrow or any amount of time. We have to make the most of our todays. If you knew you had but one day to live, can you say you gave your everything? Most of us can't. Because we are not promised anything, it should be your life's purpose to give your everything. It should be what you tell yourself every morning before your start your day. I don't want to wish that I had given more. One of my favorite sayings is, "No one ever wishes they had done less. They always wish they had done more." Give more, believe more, love more, say more, treasure more, dance more, laugh more, hug more - the list goes on. Give your everything - it is the one thing that is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

The power to inspire

I am a humble, giving woman who does not like the spotlight. One of my sons relishes being the center of attention, but only when he performs on stage. Me? Not so much. However, because of recent signs I am noticing and admitting that exist and due to comments made by others, I also feel that this blog is a gift to you. I am a better giver than receiver so I have to look at it this way. I read once that if we don't give the world our true selves, then we do a disservice to the world because we were created to be all we can in the world. When we harbor and keep our gifts a secret, then they are not really gifts. Nothing that is never given can be called a gift - you have to give it away. I love to write (and those that know me, to talk also) and believe we all have our strengths and weaknesses. Last year, I asked "What do I bring to the table?" This blog is a portion of what I bring to the table. In order for me to move forward, I have to give myself credit where it is due. I don't like compliments, but am learning on how to accept them and say a simple, "Thank you." I am truly humbled when people latch onto something I said and then take that to motivate them to make changes in their lives. I am just me, doing what I do for me, but in the long run, maybe I can inspire you to be better. Maybe you read this because you get a laugh about how crazy my life is and you appreciate your sane life even more. I hope that you feel inspired to do what you feel needs to be done - follow your heart and live your life. It is the one gift everyone can afford to give everyone else, but you have to give it away.

Little reminders of living

It has been a long time since I really had to say that the day was bad. It wasn't the day's fault and it did not start out that way. It seemed to get worse as the day went on. I went to a breakfast meeting, and had a nice long talk with a good friend, and then I went onto work and the day seemed like any other day. Before 8pm, I had a co-worker whose 12 year old son needs radiation, the kid I have mentioned in previous blogs suffered from a collapsed lung and almost died, met a 19 yr old "know it all", and then a baseball parent passed away from cancer. This is the second parent we know that has passed away from cancer in the last three weeks. Although we did not know either parent well, their loss on their families will be something that will be weighing heavy on our hearts for a while. I know for me, it will be especially when I see their families or hear these men's names. These reminders of the lives we lead and those that we hold dear almost have to shock us into another state of mind. I read a quote earlier this week, "People will always be opposed to anything that threatens what they love." This applies to anything and everything, but it is only when these things come to light do we really remember what is truly important. That is why I am encouraging you to do what you are meant to do, believe in your heart, and pursue your dream now. We should take none of this for granted and need to stop waiting for tomorrow. For these two men, tomorrow never comes. For the kid who almost died and the other one who has new medical issues, tomorrow is not promised. For the 19 year old who thinks he has it all figured out, tomorrow is yet to be treasured. Don't wait to tell the ones you love, that you love them. Our souls are beating because of our committment to the ones we treasure. These reminders make us feel pain, sadness, and sorrow and make us humble that our issues are miniscule compared to these bigger episodes in other's lives. Someday, we may not be so removed from them. Someday, they may be closer to home and we will have wished we could have more time. Time that no one is ever promised. Make use of the time you have and use it to the fullest. You will never have any regrets if you do that. Take care.

Vantage Point

This is also a movie title with Dennis Quaid, where there are many different people at this political gathering but because of where they are, they have different vantage points and see different things. Yesterday, I changed my vantage point. I know you are going to think I am crazy (yes, the jury is still out on that one. LOL), but since it was warm yesterday (near 40), I went for a run outside. The sun was out and I wanted to get it done before it went down and it turned colder. I had been thinking that once it got to be warmer (like March), that I would run my normal route backwards. Now, that does not mean running backwards, but running the streets in the opposite direction. That will really throw Rocky off when she gets back to running again. I cannot tell you how new running that old route just in the opposite direction felt. I mean, I have run the same route at 5am in the morning, for 6 days a week, for about 8 months. But this felt different. It felt new and exciting and I was grateful for the time to be able to do it. I don't think it was related to me running during the daytime instead of early morning and I don't think it was related to not running for a month either. On my way, I saw a woman who needed help with her car and I went over to see if I could do anything. Here is where the vantage point comes in - if I had chosen to run my normal route the way I had always run it, I would have run past her and never saw her. This way, she was in my line of sight and watched many cars just drive past her. One woman actually yelled at us to "move the car" because we needed her added input to remind us that we shouldn't leave the car out in the middle of the road. I guess the point of this post is to remind us to look at things from different perspectives. My route was familiar in that I knew which street to turn on, but made the run more enjoyable because of what I was seeing. Remind yourselves today to look at other viewpoints as a way of seeing the bigger picture. We get conditioned to just look at the world a certain way instead of really trying to understand what other people are dealing with in their lives. Be humble and grateful for your blessings. Remember, we cannot have our side without their being another side.

Regret and true forgiveness

I have noticed that I have been writing more frequently on the blog, than I usually do. Maybe it is related to the inability to get out and run, and my mind hasn't used up all it should in the hour of running I would do. The elliptical is only 30 minutes. That makes rational sense, doesn't it? I was visiting with my mom yesterday, and she started to reminisce about how she wished she was a better mother to me and my brother when we were younger. I told her that she did the best she could with the knowledge she had at the time. So did our dad, even though they divorced when we were very young. Too long of a story to get into now, but I believe that we can always wish we had done things differently. I told her that instead of saying she wished she was a "better" mother, she should say "different" mother. Different doesn't mean good or bad. My childhood was less than perfect and perhaps some of you can relate. Some of you might not be able to and that is ok too. Be patient with those of us that have things we have had to work through. Sometimes it takes longer than we think. I told my mom that I hold no grudges (grudges do you no good - keeps you holding onto the past) and that I have forgiven her. When I wrote "I give you permission", I actually wrote it for a co-worker, but did not realize how applicable it was to my own life until I read it out loud. A couple of weeks ago, I felt like I needed to apologize to a friend. Now, I did not tell her why because she would tell me that I didn't need to, but I need to do it for me. I simply told her, "I'm sorry" and all I asked her to say was, "It's ok." She did and I felt better. She still does not know why I needed that, but we all need forgiveness in our lives. True forgiveness is an awesome gift you can give to someone else, when they need it most. When you hear about a grieving mother who has lost her only child and she forgives the careless, intoxicated driver - that is true forgiveness. When you forgive, do you give it all from your heart or do you say it but don't mean it? It is very difficult to let go, but we have to forgive. Guilt can eat at you until the day comes when you are broken, sad, and unfulfilled. I just realized that today is the day we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr...someone who practiced great forgiveness in times of great anguish. I encourage you to truly forgive someone this week who might have done you wrong...let it go and know it is easier when it comes from your heart.

We all need a "Mick" in our lives

This reference has to do with Burgess Meredith's role as Mick in the Rocky movies. Between my running partner and me, she is Rocky and I am Mick - I gave us those names early on mostly because she was in better shape than I was. Even though that might be different now (she might not like that I said that, but she would say I am being honest), she is still Rocky and I am still Mick. But Mick represents what we all need in our lives. Mick is the person in YOUR corner, cheering you on, encouraging you to do more than you ever thought you could. EVERY ONE of us needs a Mick and sometimes we have more than one. Sometimes, we have people in our corner, but we never knew they were there. The stage is different, but doesn't the "fight" seem easier when you know you have someone who is on your side? On your side til the very end? That means it is not all on us and what we have to deal with is shared, making our load less. Now, here is the tricky part - if you have a Mick or two in your lives, do you let them be your Micks? It is hard to share our troubles with others if we think they are ours alone, and perhaps feel that we do not want to burden them. I think the more we allow others to take, the more it always seems less. Remember, it's their choice to choose to take it. Plus, our Micks feel appreciated and gets them thinking about someone else too. We take turns being the Rocky and the Mick. I know what my Micks bring to me and I am grateful for them every day - maybe more than they realize. Sometimes, I question if what I do (as a Mick) is enough for those that need me in that capacity. But I trust that if they needed more, then they would ask for more, knowing full well they would get it. I read once that one friend said to another, "I will be whatever you need for as long as you need it because you need it." Not everyone can be Rocky all the time, but we all are Rocky at one time or another. Just remember, that every time you are Rocky, there is ALWAYS a Mick in your corner - believing in you, rooting for you, loving you, and making you better in every way. When you get knocked down and think you are done, your "Mick" will be there for you. The power of someone believing in you, without a doubt, can be overwhelming and catapult you into new ventures and places you never thought you would go. I am a perfect example of that - Rocky has always encouraged me and believed in me and because of that she is an awesome Mick. The best part is that I have always believed in her and encouraged her to do what makes her heart soar also. That is what makes a great, unbeatable team. Just like the real Rocky and Mick.

Weird day...totally has me perplexed

I have posted previously about possible signs and what we need to remember when they come our way. The hard part is not recognizing the signs, but trying to figure out what they are trying to tell us. Even if we think we know what they are trying to tell us, how do we know we are doing what the sign intended us to do? Do we watch for another sign? I will get nothing done ever if I am constantly watching for something else to happen. You all know what I mean. Yesterday, I receive three nice emails from friends who just say, "Thanks for always making me smile", "Keep it up", and other nice little notes. Nothing was significant about yesterday in my book, but as much as I loved getting those little notes, I was surprised by them all coming on one day, before 10am even. Then, it got a little more weird. Someone else from work who I believe does not like me very much (ok, not at all so I have been told), stops to visit for 5 minutes and talks about a mutual friend. I think this woman does not like me enough to call 911 if I fell down next to her, but we had a nice little conversation. So, after she leaves, I start asking myself, "What is going on?" Later, I receive an email from a client - it merely says, "Hope your day is going better." Yes, I am freaking out by now. (Side note - found out later that the client meant to send this note to his wife - LOL). Even putting that one aside, I mention it to a couple of other people (not the ones that sent the emails), and of course one asks for a new bathroom since she feels I have the "power" today. Sorry, still no magic 8-ball answer for you. I know I think too much and then over think what I have already think too much about. It is a cylce as being a product of teachers who wanted us to question. I am grateful for these little thanks from friends, and one person told me that because I am so positive and inspiring (her words, not mine), that these people are noticing and giving back what I give to them. Maybe that is what has me more perplexed than the other messages. We all find times when we question, but I still wonder if what I say or write here really makes that big of a difference. Maybe people like to read that they are not alone in their quest to find the answers...maybe they find humor in my little crazy traits that make me me. Maybe I will never have those answers, but I shake my head in disbelief sometimes because it is something that I may never fully figure out. Guess that is what makes it interesting. Have a wonderful weekend, wherever you are. Stay safe, warm, and may your smile bring much joy to all you meet.

One step back, then two steps forward

Ok, maybe it was really two steps back then two steps forward, and that would put me back at the same place I was to begin with. I forget if I have ever mentioned how much I dislike the elliptical. There... I have said it...moving on. Tuesday morning, I get up to use the dreaded machine, and maybe I was not feeling well, but normally the programmed workout takes me up to level 8, but I was not in the mood for it. Every time it changed the level to something higher than 5, I reduced it. I don't know why, but I just told myself, I am not in the mood to work that hard this early in the morning. Yesterday, I didn't even get on the thing. In the past, I have pushed myself to work hard during the week and then take a day off closer to the weekend. This was Wednesday and then I rebeled even more by buying myself two donuts for breakfast ( I only ate 1 1/2) and felt no sense of guilt. This morning, I got up and did my workout without any complaining and it was better. Sometimes, I forget to cut myself some slack and just stop pushing so hard. I know I have done that most of my life and am learning how to forgive myself. Maybe it was the extra hour of sleep, maybe it was all of the sugar in the donuts, maybe it was none of it. I had to allow myself to be "less than par" (for you golfers) and we all have days where going back actually helps propel us forward. Do you have days like that? If you do, and I know you do, are you aware of them and recognize them for what they are? I hope this day brings everything you need to move ahead in your journey of life, but also be accepting that on that road sometimes, we have to take time to see what is around us, reminisce about treasured memories, and only then can we move ahead. Flowers still find ways to grow in the winter - it is done underneath the ground, just waiting for the right time to bloom! Have a blessed day.

Perspective

What is your perspective on your current situation and about where you really want to be? I did not have a good day today and was chatting with a girl from work and she kept telling me that our perspective is what we can change, even if nothing else does. My perspective has changed from where it was a year ago, that is for sure. There are some days that my perspective is not where it should be or where I know it needs to be. When I question why this is different than it was 5 years ago or longer, I usually cannot find an answer that is easy nor is it one that I can agree with. It is unfortunate that we have to learn it this way...because I would have loved to know then what I know now. As I start to look at things in the bigger picture, I have realized that my perspective is always what has defined me and my attitude towards the circumstances that were present at the time. My childhood was not normal in that every two to three years, it changed so just when I got used to it being normal, it would change again. This happened for 14 years until I got married. Even when good things were given to me, I shied away from that positive attention because I had never felt comfortable with it. Still don't. My perspective was always that I questioned my worth, and why was I worth it now, but not then? Maybe that is why I question so much - even if I am given a worthwhile and very convincing statement as to why it makes sense, I would still look at it from my perspective. I don't think it is because I naturally want things to be negative, but have always viewed it way. That was normal. When I was younger, I had a negative perspective. Now, I am different and my perspective is more positive and suprisingly enough, more me. I work less at it as it seems to come so effortlessly. Today, I was asked by a co-worker, "Why don't I think what I have to say or write resonates with anyone?" I don't expect it to, but am am humbled if it does. I am hoping I can help you change your perspective as you travel your road of life, because I believe that we all need encouragement, inspiration, and a feeling that it can be better than it was. We have to believe that, don't we? It is all in our perspective.

Paying attention to possible signs?

Because I believe that there are reasons for everything (and hence everything has a reason), events occur and people come into (and out of) our lives for a specific purpose. Somestimes, good things happen when we least expect them. Other times, we are reminded of what is important when bad things happen. As I am still finding my passion and finding ways to explore it on a bigger scale every day, I actually find it easier to share with others than I did before. Still, very few know where I am going, but I appreciate those around me that are encouraging and supportive. Today, I am viewing something that happened as a possible sign and share that with a friend at lunch. We are both unsure of what it means, but I threw the question out there any way. I tell her that I don't think I am ready. I also visit with someone else later today and she learns more about what I want to do in that conversation. But let me ask you this...if I wait until I am really ready, then couldn't I potentially wait a lifetime? I already feel like I have done that. I went to lunch with a co-worker yesterday and she told me that her passion is interior design, but because of her past, she never pursued it. Her belief that it is too late to follow her heart made me very sad. I cannot believe that it is ever too late to follow our heart or follow our dreams. Don't we have to take advantage of the opportunities and be willing to take the chances in life in order to make it better? Walt Disney said, "It began with a dream and a mouse." Look at what the word "Disney" says to the world. My questions do not revolve around whether or not my dream will be successful (although knowing that ahead of time would be helpful); they are more related to: When is the right time? What steps should I take first to pursue it? Who can help me? Is it something that I do on the side or jump right in? I don't know the answer to any of those yet. However, rest assured that I am watching, listening, and taking note of all of that is presenting itself to me so that when the signs come my way, I don't miss them. I just have to have the courage to act on them.

Just off somehow

I was visiting with a co-worker today who mentioned that she was not "fit to be around people" because she just is not sure what is wrong. She told me last week that she thought her skin looked a different color and just did not feel like herself. Today, she tells me that she feels like her fuse is pretty short with her co-workers and she cannot identify why. I asked her what she is carrying that she does not need to and even though I think she would tell me, she seemed in a hurry and perhaps did not feel like she wanted to get into it all at that moment. I asked her if there was anything I could do to help and she said no, but I wanted her to know that I was here if needed. We all have days like that where we just are not ourselves, but don't know why and sometimes don't know how to fix it. Just like a cold - sometimes we have to let it run its course. As long as we accept that we all have days like that, then we still feel like we are in the same boat. And because we can always be in this boat at one time or another, we need to recognize that we see others we care about that may need a little friendly smile. Take time to let others know you care and even if they refuse, you have opened the door, if ever so slight, for a future opportunity to help maybe when it is needed more. Be looking out for others around you who may be "just off somehow." It may be easier to see than you think. Have a wonderful night!

New Year, New You

Happy New Year, everyone. I hope this finds you well as we begin a new year. Have you started on your new year's resolutions? I made a few, but since last year when I started this journey, I am not sure where these will take me. Some are goals for fitness, some are rebuilding past relationships, and others are about where my passion is leading me. This blog has always had the theme of "It Starts Today" and yet we only really sit down to begin something new around the first of Janaury, like it is a "magical" day or something. But you can start anything on any day! It does not have to be related to the day and month on the calendar. We can begin a new at any time because we have control over that and can make changes all of the time. Old habits are hard to break - especially those that have been around for many years, and even decades. I am a perfect example of that. We can start new and fresh at any time - we just have to be willing to work for it and accept that those things worth working for are not going to happen over night. We did not get where we are over night, so how can we expect the solution over night? That is being unrealistic and therefore, setting us up for absolute failure. What do you want to be different about this next year? Do you want to start a new career? Learn to play the piano? Build relationships in your community? Give more time to your church? Excuses are easy to find and everyone has them, so they are nothing new or personal to you. I have tried to plant the seeds so that you can take whatever you will from these posts and try to make changes in your life for the better. I started this blog for me, and someone suggested I share it. Never, in wildest dreams did I ever think I would be where I am today after a year of this journey. My dad pointed out in a recent card that because I have never taken the easy road, I may have forgotten to see the rewards of my endeavors that I encountered along the way. Whether your road has been easy or tough, it is yours. But the past is the past and will forever be an anchor and until you pull it up, you will never be able to sail towards your future. Start the New Year with a New You - you won't regret it. I promise you.