Everywhere I look...magazine & newspaper articles, newsletters, commercials, etc...I am reminded to take a moment and reflect upon the past year and then promptly decide how I will make the upcoming year even better.  Even though this past year held quite a few highs and lows for my family, with the highs being really high and the lows being really low, I can say with confidence, joy, and relief that the highs definitely won out over the lows.  I ended 2009 with my incredible family feeling happy & healthy, new friendships that I'm sure will last a lifetime, and a dream of owning a dance studio that came true. 

Onto the big question that lies before me, "How can I make 2010 even better?"  I obviously need to lose that same 10lbs that I lost last year and then found again somewhere between Halloween and Christmas.  Personal health is always important for all of the reasons that Dr. Oz, Jillian & Bob, and every other health & fitness guru continuously remind us about.  I can certainly do a better job of managing my time, cleaning my house, saving my money, and protecting the environment.  These are all fantastic goals that I'm sure I will attempt to accomplish throughout the upcoming months, reaffirm about 6 months from now, and then establish once again this time next year.  If you are sensing pessimism from me, please don't.  I am an extremely goal-driven individual, but I'm not sure that setting and even accomplishing those goals will truly make 2010 a better year.

So what is the answer?  Here's my stab at it.  I want to open my eyes wider, move a little slower, and take it all in.  While these goals may not be measureable they are certainly attainable.  I want to really see my family, my friends, and my dancers for who they are and appreciate all of their qualities.  I want to take the time to enjoy the little things -  the unsolicited hugs that I receive from children (both at home and at the studio), the tasks that my husband completes for me and the words of encouragent he shares with me, the smiles and "aha" moments that my dance students have each and every week, the night time snuggles with my children as my husband and I read to them, meaningful conversation with friends, walks in the neighborhood with my two dogs...........

There are so many people and moments in my life to enjoy.  Birthdays, holidays, dance classes and recitals should all prove to be even more enjoyable and more amazing as I take the time to appreciate all of the little moments leading up to those big events.  Because in the end, it's the little moments that truly mean the most.

Happy New Year!

Cammie