This year, I'm opening a new door. I'm remodeling my house as well as myself. Started a new workout program and also doing a major workout on my house. I'm focusing on me for me and nobody else and making changes and it feels good. I'm also wanting to do what I can to help my Mother and Father and spend more time with them and my family. I can only be good for someone else if I am good to myself. So, that is my new start for the new year. I've made it this far and will make it even further. I'm strong, smart and a little silly and all of those things I owe to my parents. They raised us up to stand on our own two feet and never depend on anyone. I'm grateful for that. When I didn't want to go to college my Dad said, "I don't care if you get a degree in basket weaving, but you will go to college and get your degree." I did and I graduated and he was right. He wasn't far off on the basket weaving thing. Got my degree in Art and Dance Education. Two things I've always loved. I'm glad I went and enjoyed every minute of it.

They also made me realize that I can be anything I want to be and that I can succeed. And, to never give up. Always look ahead and not behind. Don't remember the bad times with bitterness, learn from them and get stronger because of them because we cannot change the past. Forgive and ask to be forgiven of those I may have wronged. To treat others well and be there for them, to help them when I can. To know that nobody is perfect and to look beyond the surface. So, I'm working hard at that in my life and am striving to become a better woman in all areas of my life because the Good Lord knows I ain't perfect and there's always room for improvement.

A twofer for the weekly challenge and the monthly challenge.