No resolutions for 2013-just changes!

I was a worrier. Hardcore. Not about everything but in reality probably about far too many things-work, boys, bosses, family issues, friends, money, the future, the present-you get the picture. I think a reasonable amount of worrying is normal and many people are concerned about the same things but I was a little too preoccupied with my worrying. I could have been the gold medal champ. Not a lot of people knew that about me but I tried to fight it.  Then things changed last summer and I worried about different things but at the same time I worried about less. It was freeing. I had a different perspective and instead of it being just a talking point I was actually able to practice my new perspective. It felt and still feels liberating. I look at the new year as another opportunity for change. While I'm thrilled 2012 is in the rear view mirror and I'm blowing a kiss goodbye to the past, I'm taking with me the lessons I've learned and working on some changes for 2013. Not resolutions because I think we set ourselves up to fail when we resolve to do something and take a step back and then beat ourselves up and then try again and this vicious cycle starts again and we forget what's really important.

Here's my top ten changes for 2013. What are yours?

10. Worry about what's important, let go of what isn't. if the flavor of the month isn't texting you or treating you how you deserve, they should worry you're going to walk away. Not the other way around.
9. Pursue my passion. I've written for years but haven't published in awhile. Time to change that.
8. Stay off the grid. I'm going to unplug everyday for awhile. Better to connect in person than virtually.
7. Take 10 seconds and think before I speak. Sometimes I don't have a filter. Oops.
6. Finish my 26 Acts of Kindness. I'm on my 5th.
5. Take a vacation and not worry about budget, location or packing.
4. Spend less. Give more. Take inventory before I decide to buy something just because.
3. Start nursing school. And not be scared.
2. Get out of the comfort zone-in everything.
1. Pay it forward.

New York State of Mind

What can I say other than I am so grateful to my mom for this once in a lifetime trip to NYC.  I don't know many other 30 year olds that get to spend four days in one of the best cities in the world with their best friend who just happens to be their mom-and have an amazing time. The idea for this trip was borne this summer during a very sad time.  We had planned a beach vacation with 15 of our family members for my parent's anniversary when my dad suddenly passed away two days after we were supposed to be beach-side. My mom isn't ready to go to Myrtle Beach-where their anniversary vacation was set to take place-but we decided to do something fun and to get away.  I will admit in the weeks leading up to our vacation I was nervous and had some trepidation. I hadn't really gotten out of Pittsburgh since my dad died. I don't know why-it's just how things happened I guess. I was nervous flying as per usual. But the closer our departure loomed, the less nervous I became. Once we arrived in NYC I caught the buzz of excitement New York always has and also the spirit of the season. It was as if the last 6 months were not as really tough as they were. I was able live in the moment and soak up the amazing experiences we had-and forget some of the negative things that occurred back in the 'burgh. New York-you're the best!

Top Ten Moments/Things in NYC

10. The Donna asking our Spanish waiter at the tapas restaurant for a scissor because she tied her coat together. Yes, this happened. And she did the "cutting" gesture for the scissors to overcome the language barrier.
9. The amount of dogs in clothes going for walks on the city streets. Love.
8. The holiday windows on 5th avenue.  Amazing. Works of art.
7. Food.  Delish. perfect.
6. The Donna making friends EVERYWHERE we went. Which leads to #5...
5. The Donna convincing the guys who sell illegal wares on Canal Street to help us find a cab after we finally convinced them we weren't buying "chanel" watches
4. Broadway-Once.  Best musical I may have ever seen. Sharing it with my mom even better.
3. Christmas Tree lighting in Rockefeller Center. 4 hours in the cold was absolutely worth it-and hearing the amazing musicians/artists that night for free was incredible.
2. St. Patrick's Cathedral. Breathtaking, spiritual experience I won't forget.
1. Laughing with my mom, sharing it all with her, and enjoying the experience together. I couldn't ask for a better mom, mentor, best friend and now traveling companion!