Anyone who knows me, knows that I call out moments in time—the start and end of each month, remembrances, firsts, lasts, and more.

I believe in “good morning” and “good night” opening and closing every God-given day.

I believe in the little things and finding wonder in any which way I can. These things, after all, often become the biggest and most important things when we look back on our lives.

Now you may be asking yourself—why is this crackpot posting a new year’s message in November?

Because I recently celebrated the gift of another year of life and it was the start of my new year.

Birthdays are a time of reflection, a time to examine where I’ve been and where am I going. What have I done well and where have I fallen short? What did I learn? How can I improve in the year to come? What do I need to leave behind, and what will I be bringing with me?

When my list of resolutions is complete, I set forth with a renewed spirit and fresh perspective. It’s a clean slate filled with hope and determination. I will inevitably fall short in some ways, and excel in others; that’s a sign of being human.

But what I find most exciting is that moment when I dwell in the possibilities of what could be. The anticipation of the next chapter and how it will play out. Despite my best laid plans and intentions, life is almost guaranteed to throw me some curveballs. It always does.

To those who fear aging, fear growing old more because that choice is up to you. Smile and laugh often and don’t stress over what may not matter five minutes from now. Appreciate your family, friends, and neighbors. Meet new people and try new things. Be inquisitive and let your curiosity lead you to learn and grow. Live from a place of gratitude because no matter how difficult the situation, there is always something to be grateful for. Dance, sing and play.

Don’t stop finding ways to have fun because each day is a gift to be cherished and honored.

So, as I close this year and celebrate my new year, I leave you with just a handful of my favorite quotes for you to take into the week ahead, and hopefully, take to heart.

“The most significant gifts are the ones most easily overlooked. Small, everyday blessings: woods, health, music, laughter, memories, books, family, friends, second chances, warm fireplaces, and all the footprints scattered throughout our days.” ~ Sue Monk Kidd

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

“We are taught you must blame your father, your sisters, your brothers, the school, the teachers—but never blame yourself. It’s never your fault. But it’s always your fault, because if you wanted to change, you’re the one who has got to change.” ~ Katharine Hepburn

“All my life I’ve thought I needed someone to complete me, now I know I need to belong to myself.” ~ Sue Monk Kidd

“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

“Life is hard. After all, it kills you.” ~ Katharine Hepburn

“The hardest thing on earth is choosing what matters.” ~ Sue Monk Kidd

“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

“There is nothing perfect…only life.” ~ Sue Monk Kidd

“People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, make them.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

“Some things don’t matter much. Like the color of a house. How big is that in the overall scheme of life? But lifting a person’s heart—now, that matters. The whole problem with people is…they know what matters, but they don’t choose it…The hardest thing on earth is choosing what matters.” ~ Sue Monk Kidd

“I do not know what I think until I write it.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

“The thing about life is that you must survive. Life is going to be difficult, and dreadful things will happen. What you do is move along, get on with it, and be tough. Not in the sense of being mean to others, but being tough with yourself and making a deadly effort not to be defeated.” ~ Katharine Hepburn

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