A New Year, A New Opportunity

Every new year brings new beginnings. New memories. Second chances.

To me, the beginning of each new year is a time of perspective. The pessimists see it as the end of something, the optimists see it as the beginning. But the realists see it as the end of something, but maybe the start of something so much better. I am a realist. I see the world as neither good or bad, it all depends on who you come in contact with in the long run. I've come in contact with bad people, good people, and people who are just trying to find their way. People make mistakes. I believe that mostly everyone deserves a second chance to make things right again. The year 2009 is that second chance.

This year has been rough to me. I lost my uncle, I've had a lot of gutwrenching moments, there's been a lot of hurt and confusion for everyone around me. However, it hasn't been all bad. I've found love, with whom I'll be celebrating one year together almost as soon as the new year begins; I've learned things that have made me a better person; I've met new people and I've kept a friendship together even when it seemed like it was tearing at the seams.

There have been a lot of tears, no doubt. Sometimes out of sadness, sometimes from pure happiness, but sometimes for no reason at all. Sometimes the tears just need to fall so that you know you're still alive.

I've learned that in order to get what you want, you have to work for it. You have to stand up for yourself. It may turn into a fight sometimes, but everything works out in the end. Every day is a challenge, and it's up to each person to face their challenges individually. It's not up to the people around them because it's not their life.

I've learned that being in love is the best feeling in the world. People say that teenagers can't feel it, but I know I can. To love and be loved unconditionally, even through the hardest times, is more than I can ever ask for in my life.

I've seen my friends and family go through some really hard times. We all have. But we go through it together, or alone. Sometimes both. Sometimes, even if you have to work at it individually, as a personal goal, it's never wrong to ask for some guidance along the way.

As this new year begins, I realize that I don't have a resolution this year. That may change. But for now, my only goal is to make 2009 a "clean-up year." To mend mistakes and to help others. To be all that I can be as a daughter, a friend, a girlfriend, a student, and as an overall person. That is my goal this upcoming year and whether I can accomplish that in 365 days is all up to me.