drowning in memories from that "new year"

The key to change, is to let go of fear; my motto for the year 2012.

Looking over this past year, I found myself reminiscing over a pile of photographic memories that have brought me some of my joyest moments or my biggest trials. Last year was beautiful. A beautiful disaster. But I honestly would not trade any of it. I wouldn't trade any of the regrets, the tears, the laughter, the love, the heartache. I wouldn't trade it because it has brought me to where I stand now. It has helped me shape and become a better me. 

It has helped me find more of myself.

I found friends that I can honestly say, are my closest and dearest friends.

I found myself in relationships. Relationships that I have learned to never repeat. I found confidence. Confidence to place myself in situations I never thought I'd place myself in. I found myself love. A love for my family, my friends and for myself that I never had before. I gained respect. Respect for those who choose to live life in their own way while gaining that same respect back. I gained greater knowledge. Common knowledge of a better and brighter future by living my standards and what I know and feel to be right. I found myself with a heart filled with gratitude. A gratitude for second chances. 

When I look back at those memories made in 2011, I view those memories as the ones that changed my life. And well, for 2012, get ready for a better, smarter, happier, loveable Alicia that is ready to face life to the fullest and 

become more of the person I want to be.