New Year, New Outlook

In the last few years, I've never seen the New Year holiday as much of a cause to celebrate. Instead of being a chance to look forward to the opportunities the next 365 days present might, it's always felt more like a mulligan for all the things I DIDN'T accomplish.

The truth of the matter is that no new year -- or any other stage of our life for that matter, starts with a completely clean slate. We always carry over some remnants of our previous experiences into the new ones. This year, I'm finally at peace with the idea that it may not be a bad thing.

I've always believed who we are is the sum of our collective experiences -- successes and failures, adventures and routines. If you believe that everything in your life happens to you for a reason, there really never is a need for a clean slate, because sweeping away all the old things takes away a huge part of what you are. Instead, the new year is a celebration of the next annual chapter in your life story. It's the next stage of your evolution into the person you will ultimately become.

So this year, for the first time in a long time, I'm full of excitement about what the coming year will bring. There will be a lot of challenges to face and some big changes ahead, but I'm ready. I'm just getting started a couple of weeks late, but that's OK. Better late than never, right?

Here's to a fantastic 2012!