Happy new year everyone! I know it’s a day early, but I do really wish everyone has a happy, productive, insightful 2013.

I have never hated New Year’s eve (or day) like some people I know do. For me it is a time to reflect on the year before, and look forward to the year ahead. I have never been much for resolutions; they are easy to break, and discouraging when they are broken. Instead, I always resolve to have a better year than the one before. Considering how wonderful my life is, it seems like a tall order. But that is one resolution that hasn’t been broken yet.

In 2012 a lot happened for me to be happy about. I lost 7 pounds, I started running, I celebrated my 2nd wedding anniversary with the love of my life, and I started paying attention to the things I was putting into my body (and subsequently, my husband’s). Not to mention, I started this blog that I have come to love.

In 2013, I hope to accomplish even more! I want to grow this blog, I want to lose my last pesky 9 pounds, and I want to keep running. (I signed up for a 10k, so that last one shouldn’t be an issue until March). I want to keep supporting my husband as he tries to find his calling, and I want to keep going to bed every night as happy as I have for the last year. I want to keep finding and developing recipes that are good and good for you. Although sometimes just “good” is okay, too.

How do I find peace with the new year? I know a lot of people succumb to a feeling of hopelessness at this time of year. The days are dreary, the nights are long, and it is easy to focus on what didn’t get done the past year. And trust me, there is a lot that didn’t get done around here: I didn’t get a teaching job, I didn’t finish the quilt I started when I was a freshman in college, I didn’t lose all the weight I wanted. I drank too much, ate too much, and exercised too little.

The difference between me and those despondent people is this: I forgive myself. I forgive this glass of whiskey next to the keyboard. I forgive those 9 pounds; they’re tenacious and I respect that. I forgive my wish to be a housewife, and I forgive the fact that that wish is keeping me from seeking out a teaching job as stubbornly as I would if I were single. It is okay to fail. Because I always, always have another chance to succeed. This is the key to my happiness

If you find yourself a little down today, or a lot down, please do this: think about what you did this year. I don’t care if you didn’t do anything; nothing is something. You took a year for yourself; good for you! And once you accept that you did something in the past year, think about all the things you can do in the coming year. 2013 is full of possibilities! And you can’t be upset by unfulfilled possibilities, now can you!

I’ve said it a lot lately, but it’s true: I love all my readers new and old, and cherish the relationships I have formed here. I want each and every one of you to have a happy, healthy, blessed 2013. And have a glass of whiskey for yourself; you’ve earned it.

What are your resolutions? What do you hope 2013 has in store for you?

The Wife

P.S. I realize this picture makes no sense with the content of this post. But it’s pretty, isn’t it? This is from some park in North St. Louis where a bunch of beautiful stone structures are being taken over by the surrounding landscape.

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