Then you won’t have to wait for someone to save you…

You’ll be able to save yourself.

With New Years right around the corner, resolutions are at the forefront of everyone’s mind. While I have always enjoyed the idea of setting goals and proudly crossing them off of a list (regardless of the date), life has recently reminded me that  there is something more important than toned abs and keeping my closet organized.

Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of a chance meeting  with someone who lives his life in Technicolor.  He entered mine with such vibrancy and enthusiasm that he changed it forever (and in a very short amount of time, no less).

Free, focused, and totally open, my unintentional inspiration  was equally patient and pushy in his quest to open my eyes to some incredible things: The limitations I had placed on myself, the possibilities and opportunities that exist in my life, the ways I trade in wanderlust for worry.

Hot damn, I love lessons, and I especially love non-preachy teachers who teach by example.

The process of realization hasn’t always been a pleasant one (is it ever?) but I am quickly remembering how lovely taking accountability for our my own happiness really is. Sure, it has forced me to acknowledge the ways in which I hold myself  back (and even down) but it has also reignited  the understanding that I am in total control of my own life at all times, and that is has been downright invigorating.

Through his own action, this person has highlighted my inaction, and re-introduced me to the pleasure of  living  (as opposed to existing) while still adhering to a strong moral code. He’s also been a gracious and generous companion who has reminded me of my strengths and gifts.  I have started to focus on what I feel are more substantial goals as a result. Sure, I can commit to eating more greens, but my truest commitment is to always walk towards greener pastures, whether here, across the country or across the world.

When I share my fears or concerns about anything, he’s a patient listener but quickly cuts whatever “large” concern I have down to size.  It’s been lovely to have been reminded of the importance of seeing the bigger picture and taking care of myself, first and foremost.  Not in a selfish way, but a smart one.

The whole journey has really helped me to compartmentalized the chaos and encouraged me to break down walls, face down fears and open myself up–to him, to my friends, to my readers, to life.

I wanted to share this with all of you.

We often get so caught up in the pain of our past, the fear of the future, work stress, catty comments, bitchy bosses and annoying life trip-up’s that we forget how taking a real assessment of your life– how you are living, who you are spending time with, and what exactly you’re focusing your efforts and energy on–helps us to navigate through  this other “distracting “stuff” and stay on the track that will move us closer to our greatest destiny.

Ah, destiny.  Such a romantic nickname for destination. Every path has one. Where is yours leading?

Not always the most comfortable question to answer, right? 

How would you like to change the direction of your own life?

What are you going to focus more/less on?

Where will you direct your energy?

What toxic relationships will you force yourself to let go of?

What boundaries are you ready to push?

What relationships will you work to nurture?

What is your passion right now?  How will you work to ignite it?

What are the five things that are most important to you, in your life, right now?  How will you nurture and protect them?

What ideas about yourself are you ready to let go of?

What lies are you telling yourself?

Who are you ready to become?

We don’t always have to know the answers right off of the bat, but it’s nice to remember the importance of taking in the full view and knowing that we can move in whatever direction we choose to.  It’s nice to think about about where we want to go and why we are putting one foot in front of the other to move closer to or from something.  At least it is for me, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Those who talk a big game are often the ones with the lowest batting average.

Your friends are those people who tell you the truth, even when it’s not pretty.

Very few things in life are truly impossible.

There is always a lesson to be learned in any given situation. When we extract it, we remove any reason for regret.

When someone is really a priority, they don’t need to hear it.

Don’t worry about being lucky, focus on being great at what you do. That way you won’t be at the mercy of magic.

Actions. Not words. Unless they are infused by action. Believe what you see, not what you hear and life becomes clearer.

Our past does not define us. We do. We redefine and reinforce with every decision we make.

Love is not a flower, it’s a soldier.

Your life is beautiful, even when bittersweet, and you, my dear, are a miracle.

You may not believe it, but you are an irreplaceable, magical, defiant and radiant being.

And this world wants you in it.

You are ready. You are smart enough. You are clever. You are beautiful.

You have gifts. You have support. You already have the wind of the universe at your back.

That thing you want most is already yours. You just have to do the work to get to it.

In fact, you’re not without anything. It’s all there.

Take a step, take a risk. Shape your destiny and grab ahold of it.

One life.

That, whatever happens, we are alive.