New Year. New You.

As I look forward to 2007, I realize that bells will stop ringing soon and it's time to focus on growth and where I've been.

I've been through pain. I've experienced anger. I've even felt jealousy unfortunately. I also realize that we are all on this planet together. And if not for love, than what for? People hold grudges, harbor anger, and constantly complain their whole life. Should we really be holding on to harmful experiences when there are so many things out there to celebrate and look forward to? We should all love the rain. We should all remember that the rain, like tears, wipe the slate clean and bring a brand new beginning.

Immediate.
Spontaneous.
Right now.
We must WAIT. We must let go and not force things, but pursue what we believe in. In order to grow, we must dive into faith, see a shooting star for the miracle it is and fully internalize a full moon.

In order to grow, we can't quit and run away when the going gets tough; however, we can quit when a situation is something out of our control.

Deal with change...
As the country group Rascal Flats says, Life throws you curves and you must learn how to swerve. Like I have always said, God never gives us anything we cannot handle. However, She may give us something that hurts so we must still dream, hope for the best, and accept the change that is brought in our lives. Ultimately, we cant direct the winds; however, we can change the sail with our hearts and feelings. Ive learned that change requires faith, compassion, and total acceptance.

Growth comes from witnessing love so deeply from grandparents that have been married for over 50 years. You realize what one would do anything for the other. It's hard to imagine a marriage working these days, but you have to believe and you have to dream in order for it to have some chance.

Life is short...
...so we must grasp it and love it. Family and faith is all we've got and no matter what has happened in the past, we must move on, and forgive. Grudges and judgmentment do not provide happiness, only more anger. So no matter what has been done in the past, you must realize that all human beings are equal and life will offer you nothing if you judge another person, no matter what race, gender, or age.

I Wish...

• that I'll continue to forgive and forget about "little details" and remember the whole picture of beauty, sea, peace, and love.
• that I'll figure out not to care if I'm right or not, but to collaborate with others.
• that I'll accept my faults, learn from them and move on.

We all know that "making out" no longer refers to how we did on an exam and "AIDS" is something more than helpers. We live in a different world. But, that doesnt change the fact that we are all humans, we should still love. Life is about helping others.

If we are lucky enough to make wise choices (including our speech), we should use them.

Here's to 2007.