As I awakened from my food-induced coma from my mother’s Christmas meal, I wrote this column in silence as she and my sister slowly rose from traditional afternoon naps after we digested our Christmas goodies. It never ceases to amaze me how much food my mom cooks and how many groceries she manages to stock into our cupboard and onto our refrigerator shelves. All I can say is I am truly blessed.
Catastrophic, life-changing events like the senseless murder of 26 innocent children and adults in Newtown, Conn. a few weeks ago definitely put things into perspective. It’s difficult to fathom how those families were affected by this, especially around the holidays. Reading about this on my way home from work on that solemn day left me in tears as I rode the public bus. It made me hug my family tighter that night and more grateful for the blessings in my life.
For my journey, it’s important to examine what’s come before me in order to know where I want to go. It’s always a goal to strive to be the best and to complete what I finish. I think of special projects around the apartment I’d like to complete to make the bachelorette pad I share with my sister a place where we can start hosting social gatherings and entertaining guests. Most importantly, I seek to place my professional bar higher as I write more pieces that challenge my writing skills and subjects that continue to test my interview techniques.
Many people resolve to eat better, drink less or exercise more. There’s nothing wrong with the desire to possess a healthy lifestyle, but I’ve decided to apply that focus and discipline on other goals and projects. Over the last four years, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to interview and write about some of the most well-known and some of the greatest unsung heroes. As you start this new year, I join you all in the challenge I’m giving. Aspire to continue to sow seeds and pay it forward as you bless others.
