all you need is love.

The end of each year always brings a time of reflection, and I can say that for me 2011 has been filled with many lessons learned. If I could use one word to define this past year, it would be change. While 2010 could be characterized as stable for the most part, 2011 has truly been a roller coaster ride. I have been up and down and everywhere in between just trying to navigate through college, career development and relationships.

What happened to me in 2011? I turned 21. I strengthened existing friendships and lost some along the way. I finally received settlement for the car accident from 2010. I still didn’t get a car. I broke up with my boyfriend. I gained two roommates. I went out on dates. I took up new hobbies. I interviewed and networked. I met fascinating people. I was featured in a college-wide newsletter. I quit my job. I gained new friends.

When I was younger I kept an online diary, and I smile whenever I think about the things I wrote. I kept the journal in middle school so my posts were things like how my crush said hi to me in the hallways or how my volleyball team won against our rival. Part of the reason I came back to blogging is so that I can better reflect upon my life and make improvements. Looking back on 2011 from memory, I can’t help but feel a little disappointed. Don’t get me wrong - I appreciate all the positives and even some of the negatives, but I don’t think I’m satisfied. Actually, I know I’m not satisfied. I want to continually grow and make myself better in all aspects, and I think 2012 can be that year.

Even though 2011 was full of change, a majority of it was not exactly positive. Or maybe it’s just the negatives that I remember since they were overwhelmingly big events. However, I can already feel 2012 beginning to shape up as a positive year. My mom is looking into a loan for a new car for me, and my relationship with my dad is improving. I’m waiting to hear back from a few internships, and I’m almost done with college! On a day to day basis I try to find the positives in everything, and I want that to strengthen over the next year.

So here’s to 2012! May it be filled with change, new lessons and positivity. What are your hopes for 2012?