2016: Open Arms

I know it’s already practically February.

But I want to say a little something about this new year.

I’m definitely one of those typical people who make a million new year’s resolutions every year and does a wonderful job of not keeping them.

This year will be different. I’ll keep my resolutions.

Next year.

For real this time, this year will be different.

Next year.

I mean it, this year will really be different.

And somehow every year I still manage to procrastinate on my homework and not drink enough water every day and blah blah blah.

But this year? Instead of saying I’ll treat my resolutions differently, I changed my resolutions.

Because what I want is different.

Instead of nitpicking myself on little things about how I’m not fit enough or healthy enough or on top of things enough?

I want to focus on how I approach life.

And this year?

I want to live with open arms.

That’s it. That’s what I want.

Being here has changed me. A part of my heart has been filled that I didn’t even know existed. I know that may sound cliché, but I really don’t know a better way to put it.

There is a part of me that, when I’m holding the hands of one of my little boys, when I’m in the classroom and one of my students understands something new, when I’m in the kitchen and cooking for fifty kids who are so thankful to have a hot meal, feels so alive.

I would consider myself a pretty happy person.

I’ve lived in many different places, attended many different schools, and liked them all for different reasons.

But I have never, ever felt the joy that I feel here.

If being here for the past six months has taught me anything, it is what it feels like to really be alive.

It has taught me where to find joy.

And it is not in myself.

Joy, I have found, comes in giving to others. It comes when I step outside of me.

It is found when I give.

So this year, I want to open my arms to those around me. I want to open my arms to new experiences and challenges and moments. I want to open my arms to help those in need. I want to open my arms to love the people I am surrounded by without boundaries and without restraint.

I don’t want to let the fire that being here has kindled in me to burn out.

Ever.

So cheers, 2016, and all the people in it.

I welcome you with open arms.