Here we are. The new year is finally upon us, and with it, many wonderful things (and some that will be not-so wonderful, but let’s brush those aside for now.) The beginning of a new year is always a time for reflection. Reflecting on the year – or years – past, yes, but moreso, reflecting on the future. Considering what we want to change in our lives, setting goals and resolutions (some of which may last weeks, others just days, maybe some, months).

Overall, the beginning of a new year is a great time for us to examine our lives and the path we’re headed on, and determine where we want to go from here.

For me, 2014 was a great year in many ways, but I expect 2015 to be an even better one. I want this year to be an even greater year of personal growth for me in many areas, including my writing. One of my hopes is to publish something on this blog on a daily basis, whether it’s a creative writing piece, a handy link or something else that I find inspiring. I’d also like to read more in 2015, so I set my Goodreads goal at 52 books – one each week. This is certainly something I can accomplish, and hopefully I can extend my reading reach to some new and different authors and genres.

Today marks page 2 of the 365-page book we’re all writing. My goal this year is to do my best to make every page one worth reading, one worth living; to live my life to the fullest extent possible and truly enjoy myself. All too often, people get wrapped up in the daily routines; in work, school, etc. It becomes monotonous and ordinary, but life should absolutely be extraordinary.

I challenge you to take your life by the horns. Take control. Own your decisions, own your heart, own YOUR life. To use another (probably terrible) metaphor, life is a car and you’re the owner, the driver and the mechanic. You are in charge of your life; you are the one behind the wheel, and even if you hit some bumps in the road (or a pedestrian, building or two), you can steer yourself back on track. You may need some help from others, but in the end — it’s your life, your responsibility and your experience.

As the infamous quote goes: “Never take life seriously. No one gets out alive.“