Every new year starts off shiny and bright like a new pair of boots. Beginnings should be that way. Hopeful.

By the time twelve months slide past and I find myself trudging toward the end of the loop, that year can be a bit battered and tarnished. My boots never look the same either. More than one pair has arrived looking like it got tossed from a car or tried to go a round with a prize fighter. Those are the years with the greatest personal growth. Hardship and challenge make me stronger. Right?

I know someone claimed that was true.

For me, the final days of December are a culmination of regrets but the first days of January are nothing short of magical. The entire year spread out before me, filled with potential and brimming with opportunity.

Then reality knocks me upside the head and it’s back to the grind. I don’t mind too much, really. I like my work. I enjoy my chosen professions. If there was enough time to do everything, I wouldn’t have anything left to strive toward.

…can’t even imagine that.

I don’t do much in the way of resolutions but I’m big on affirmations. They’re easy to follow through with too, because they’re measurable goals. Notch an arrow back and let ‘er fly. Bullseye for achievement!

~ Welcome to 2012 ~

What’s on your horizon? Any new items on your list of things to do before I go? Do you opt for resolutions or affirmations?