A Toast To The Gleam In 2015!

Hello readers. My oh my has it been quite some time since our last correspondence. Let me bring you up to speed regarding the details of events: we have transitioned from Autumn to Winter, I, along with the members of my Higher Education cohort, have completed the first semester of graduate school, and, it is finally 2015. Yes, as you are reading this, the ball in Times Square has dropped and it is January 1, 2015. I won't even ask, "can you believe it?" because frankly, as we know…time waits for no one. So, in an effort to be mindful of your time, I'll keep this post brief. 

As we wade through the Facebook statuses, the Twitter updates and the Instagram posts that all center on life lived in 2014, the lessons learned in 2014 and what takeaways will be the foundation for our 2015's, I find that my thoughts are reminiscent of two songs beautifully sung by a man so eloquently dubbed, 'Ol Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra. Those two songs are "My Way" and "New York, New York". I know, one is a song so dreary and usually reserved for saying your final goodbyes while the other is so upbeat, so optimistic and so reassuring that even when you move and/or live in NYC and you're down on your luck, because you have that wherewithal, hustle and grit, you'll come out on the other side. Now, what do those two have to do with ushering in 2015. Well, I'll show you.

With lines in which Sinatra says, 

Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way

To only continue to sing and then say, 

I've loved, I've laughed and cried
I've had my fill, my share of losing
And now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing
To think I did all that
And may I say, not in a shy way,
"Oh, no, oh, no, not me, I did it my way"

In essence, we spent our 2014 living, laughing, crying, regretting and in the midst of that cycle, we did it our way. We didn't bend and we didn't cower. And so, if we're going to make 2015 the best one yet, we have to continue doing it….OUR WAY!

As we continue to celebrate, let's all remember to do so in the manner that fits us and is upbeat, optimistic and helps us come out on the other side just like "New York, New York" does. And with that, I say, Happy New Year readers and let's all be kings and queens of our hills and the top of our heaps.

XOXO,

Whitney

We All Have Big Dreams In 2014!

Hello readers! As we anxiously stare at our clocks and calendars, we can hardly wait for the new year. That's right, it's December 31, 2013 and as we bid farewell to this year of triumphs, let downs, blessings, and lessons, let's take a moment to reflect on everything that has shaped and moved us. In order to have a prosperous 2014, we have to analyze our highs and our lows, mark down the mistakes, and make the changes. Are you ready? Are you sure? If so, let's begin!

As I previously mentioned in my Christmas post, 2013 was all-encompassing. I experienced triumphs, tragedy, stagnant days, and yet, through it all, I came out on the other side. I know, it sounds a bit cliché but not all experiences are the same. However, if there were many of you have dealt with similar circumstances, I am certain that you centered yourself and found the strength to move forward. This is the fortitude we should carry over into 2014. The tenacity dwelling within us should emerge and take charge. We just have to keep pushing. 

Before we finally close the chapter on 2013, I want to leave you all with a message of hope from a familiar source. In 1993, Jim Valvano attended the ESPY's and was awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award. Dying of bone cancer, Valvano delivered what would become an iconic speech full of wisdom, optimism, and thought. If hearing a dying man speak so highly of the life that was due to be cut prematurely doesn't inspire you to stop complaining, get up, and make an impact, you've missed the whole damn show. Thank you Jim, for having an enthusiasm for life, having a goal, and willing to work for it. That's just what I'm going to do in 2014 :)


XOXO,
Whitney

A Very Special Christmas Greeting Just For You!

Hello readers! As you take a moment from the overwhelming excitement of unwrapping gifts, gather your friends and family to read this post. Because I know we're all in a rush to eat and continue screaming, I'll keep it short. Let's get into it:

In years past, I would do a Top 10 list telling you all what I've been grateful for during the holiday season. I've come to learn that while lists are fun and creative, it's getting hard to narrow down blessings. I take it as a good thing. My blessings and good tidings have been abundant and as I watch those I love share in the overflow, all I can do is sit back and take it all in. While 2013 has been a trying year for me, a few setbacks and a personal loss, overall, it has been an eye-opening twelve months. The lessons learned will surely carry over to 2014. I am truly ready to prepare the farewell to 2013 and eagerly welcome all that is in store.

As I conclude this post, I wish you, my loyal fans, continued health and wealth. I wish nothing but success for you all and although the storm clouds may threaten to damper your day, week, and month, I pray you find solace and the strength to get up and shine bright. Have a Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Feliz Navidad, and Buon Natale, a Happy New Year and save me copious plates of food :)

XOXO,
Whitney