I can’t believe it’s almost 2012! I love this time of year – it’s so much fun to look back and reflect on all of the amazing things that happened – watching my munchkins grow in leaps & bounds, signing my very first book deal & having my husband pour an entire bottle of champagne on my head, reconnecting with old friends (thank you, Facebook!), witnessing my best friend’s wedding. And, of course, there were  challenges that pushed me to grow some more – between making costly mistakes, realizing the importance of communication, my dad spending over 2 months in the hospital (thankfully he is home and healing!!), and experiencing why they say it is never good to have too much on one’s plate…this year has definitely been exciting, emotional, fun-filled, and teary eyed!

I was just speaking with a dear friend, and she couldn’t wait for the new year – she said she needed a new beginning. But, as we discussed 2011, she also realized that while it had its share of “cruddiness”, the not so good stuff made her begin appreciating what was right in front of her – the simple beauty of life itself. She also opened up to new endeavors, which are taking off very soon for her! You may have dealt with your share of stuff, too, (haven’t we all?) but I’m certain in some incredible way, the tests and the trials are serving a purpose: to teach us something, to stretch us to reach our potential, to reconnect with the blessings around us. So, in these final days of 2011, let’s celebrate our lives, our imperfections, our successes, and our challenges…by showing gratitude for it all. Let’s pull out our journals and start writing!

Here’s to health, happiness, peace, and miracles in 2012!