Happy New Year!

Another year has come and gone. Amazing how time flies. Each year it seems the 365 days on the calendar speed past more quickly than the year before. 2011 has been a year of many challenges. Both personally and professionally, I have faced ice and snow storms, flooding, personal loss, and more. I have learned more about myself and the direction I would like to see my life go. Its funny how those hurdles really refine a person and show what is truly inside. One of my favorite scripture verses is 1 Corinthians 10:13; "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
There have surely been some moments in 2011 where I felt He was putting this to the test.

With a new year, however comes the feeling a fresh beginning. What better time to start something new, than the beginning of a new year? As I see friends and family post resolutions for the coming year, it got me thinking about how to face a new chapter in life.

I pride myself on being someone who wants to make a difference in the world. With that, the little things we say, how we interact with others really does in my opinion matter. A positive attitude and a smile, or remembering to treat others the way we would like to be treated truly can change the world.

But beyond the little things we should each try to practice daily, what else can one to do in making this big old world we live in a better place? Suddenly it hit me while having the TV playing in the background as I finished a few things. As I flipped through channels I came upon the 2009 movie "Julie and Julia" . The movie is based on a writer who decides to take a year long challenge and cook her way through Julia Child's cookbook, "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" Now the subject matter wasn't what really caught my attention but more importantly the challenge. The writer in the story finds herself becoming a better person through the challenge as she works through something as simple as the 500+ recipes in one years time. As I finished watching a movie I never thought I would have gotten drawn into, I found myself thinking about what kind of 365 Day challenge of my own could I potentially take on in making 2012 standout from other years past.

I started doing a little research and was amazed to find the amount of 365 Day Challenges out there. I remember seeing several friends start last year a challenge by taking 1 photo each day. I also found a website, where someone has done most of the work for you. By signing up, they will email you a new challenge each day for you to work on, and if you wish photograph and blog about how they effected you. Sounds too easy. Well we will see. You may see more frequent blogs from me in the coming year as I have decided to document 2012 and take on this 365 Day Challenge.

I'm hoping this little project will allow me too look back on 2012 one year from today with a clear understanding of where the world took me, and that I am a better person because of those challenges and experiences life handed me.

I cannot wait to start this undertaking. I only hope I am as enthusiastic about it 300+ days down the road as I am today. I hope some of you will decide to join me on this pathway this year! Here is to 2012 and let the ride and challenge begin!!