I have to admit, I’m tired of hearing the “New Year, New You” slogan. {I’m guilty of using it in the past though!} I understand the excitement of starting fresh, but we don’t want a new you. You are made up of your past with all kinds of experiences that have come together to form the beautiful person you are today and to teach you the type of person you want to continue to grow into. Embrace all that you are, love and cherish that person, and learn from and strengthen from your past.

Recently, I re-watched The Vow. Have you seen this movie? It’s a beautiful love story. As I started to write this post, my favorite quote in the movie kept repeating in my head. So, clearly, I had to share.

“My theory is about moments, moments of impact. My theory is that these moments of impact, these flashes of high intensity that completely turn our lives upside down actually end up defining who we are. The thing is each one of us is the sum total of every moment that we’ve ever experienced with all the people we’ve ever known. And it’s these moments that become our history. Like our own personal greatest hits of memories that we play and replay in our minds over and over again.” – The Vow

I love everything about this quote and hope you find it inspiring too.

When you reflect on 2013, what were your moments of impact?

Instead of going into the New Year “a new you”, I’d like to suggest looking at it as a new year, new album to include in your “greatest hits of memories”. This 2014 album is blank. Fill it with dreams, goals, adventures, love and laughter. And when unexpected challenging moments of impact hit, just keep your faith, let it grow you, and allow these to make your good moments that much sweeter.

Here’s another quote for you {I’m just full of them today!}

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln

I encourage you when you’re creating goals or resolutions for 2014, to concentrate more on how you can bring more LIFE into this year. More happiness, more laughter, more meaning and purpose.

And one last note, while striving to accomplish your goals, please don’t forget to love yourself in the process. Please don’t beat yourself up if you slip up or don’t meet the goals fast enough. Be gentle with yourself and celebrate all successes, big and small.

I’d love to hear from you! In the comment section below, tell me:

1. What are your plans and priorities to bring more LIFE to 2014?
2. Do you have a favorite quote that represents how you’re approaching the New Year?
3. Or, do you love The Vow as much as I do?!

Here’s to a beautiful & blessed 2014 and to moments of impact!

Warmly,

P.S. If you want a really fun and memorable way to reflect on 2013, there’s an app called Flipagram. You pick your favorite pictures from the past year and choose a favorite song and the app puts it all together to create a short video. Here’s mine if you want to take a peek!

P.P.S. Happy New Year from my family to yours! Here’s a picture of us coming home 30 min before midnight to celebrate with Scarlett! She was obviously thrilled.