The Year to Blossom...

It is finally time to say goodbye to the year 2012! I think we can all agree that 2012 was a year filled with lots of change, and unfortunately, sorrow. I don't need to recount the amount of sorrow, us as a nation, as beings, has experienced this year, but I do need to note that through it all, we had each other.  

I thought the "change" of the year was over for me-- from a new home, new job, new disease, the loss of my favorite town, loss of my woods, until two days ago, when we put my dog, who I had since I was 11-years-old, to rest.

The worst thing about sorrow, is that, as humans, we have a brilliant tool, the brain. This tool can vividly replay images,  putting the rest of your body, particularly your heart, through the same emotional turmoil that you felt when the experience initially occurred. You have a battle in your head, about what should have been done/said, between the rational side that is trying to make things better: This was meant to be. It had to be done. She is in a better place now...

For anyone who has ever lost a pet, you understand the unspeakable bond you and your furry friend have. An unspeakable bond that no human can replace. As humans, we can learn a thing or two from animals. They become our best friends, just simply by being there and comforting us-- without a single word. Our souls communicate on a level that we cannot even begin to wrap our brilliant mind around. On a level, that forever leaves a mark. They don't obsess over work, how they look, what others think, but rather all they really care about is spending time with you.

As 2012 comes to a close, and the year of my wedding approaches, I have one important promise to make to myself-- to be more like my dog. If 2012 has taught me anything, it is that life is unexpected, and too short. We go day by day with our rigid routines, obsessing and perfecting things that, perhaps don't really matter. I watched a video today and it asked a good question, which sparked my desire to begin writing this blog: If you could do anything, and money wasn't an issue, what would it be? To travel? Help children? Protect animals? Or perhaps spend time with the people you love?  Being there for the ones you love? Making memories. Enjoying this life that we have...

This year, I resolve to be more like my furry best friend, and spend less time obsessing and perfecting my work, my body, my food-- and sitting back, relaxing, and being present and grateful for what really matters most in my world.

So as we say goodbye to 2012,  I leave you with this thought for the new year: 

With change

comes growth.

It is time to blossom.

Be love, be grateful, and just be.

Here's to a better year for us all <3