It was an interesting year. For a while, I felt really upset with myself and devastated for not achieving my weight loss and fitness goals and, the disappointment left me in tears sometimes. I didn't feel good in my skin and my friends never felt so far away. I missed that female connection. It was a very demoralizing time and I started to lose confidence in myself and, in all areas of life.

But, I didn't allow myself to succumb to such negative thinking. I have a lot to smile about and to be grateful for. I used my mistakes to help me grow and learn. I analyzed my deepest feelings and emotional hurdles. It has been an emotionally exhausting but, invaluable learning process. My countless failed attempts at achieving certain goals have actually helped me become more determined, driven and inspired to carve out the life I want to live and to be 'me'. I don't regret anything that I've gone through. I faced up to it, I dealt with it and I got over it.

Though I have a long way to go before reaching my goal weight, I'm going to embrace healthy living and tune out negativity. I want to feel good about myself and within my own skin.
I've made a commitment to myself to believe in myself and believe that people really do want me in their lives and appreciate me for who I am.
Also, I'm working on being more resilient and coping better with stressful, emotional and difficult situations.
My most important purpose in life is being a good person and making a difference.

I love my girlfriends, I appreciate and value that female connection. It is something I've always dreamed of. The distance keeps us apart but, I do my best to keep the friendships alive by sending emails regularly. I continue to put money aside for future travels because I want to see my 'international' female friends more than once in my life.

I can't wait for the new year to begin. I'm excited and a little bit afraid at the same time, I've got challenges to take up and goals to achieve! I'm aiming high.
It is all about inspiration, effort, attitude and motivation. I'm much more my own person and it feels absolutely wonderful! I'm working towards feeling, living and looking my best. I'm armed with a positive and I can attitude. It is up to me!

I saw the First Lady of California Maria Shriver on Oprah. They talked about the Women's Conference in Long Beach, California that she hosts every year.

This gathering gives women seeking the best of themselves the chance to connect and listen to inspirational people.

WOW! I envy those lucky enough to be there, connecting, being inspired and listening to women who use their voices to make a difference.

Yeah, I wonder why.

I had to do this sometime...