Welcoming 2014 with a timid hug...

For it's a year of brand new experiences and different way of living, at least for me. I'm entering my second to last semester of college, my boyfriend and I are now in a long-distance relationship, and some of my friends have graduated...

I know it sounds minimal, but I really feel like my life has already adjusted from the routine I've known last semester. From the moment I entered my house Sunday, I felt the loss of my roommate and my boyfriend. As I drove to Walmart and Wegman's, I thought back on all the hilarious conversations the boyfriend and I would have on the way there and back to our places. When I'm in the mood, I want to see specific friends--but they're not in Rochester anymore. Some of my friends are starting jobs, families and the rest of their lives; something I can't relate to. There's just something missing from my routine now, and I'm looking for something to fill it. Maybe a new passion, activity or hobby will strike.

In the past few months, when reminded that some of my friends were graduating at the end of fall semester, I laughed it off in hopes of not having the experience impact me this much. But little did I know, by not accepting the truth in the first place, I was setting myself up for a bigger impact. Now this impact is a domino effect to the fact that more friends are graduating at the end of spring semester. All I can hope is that we all stay in touch as often as we can...(because you guys are my friends for life, duh.)

But I'm not the one to back down a challenge, or a changed routine. I'm ready for this change, and I'm ready to see what Rochester has for me and only me. I can't wait to kindle the fire of my independence, stepping out of my comfort zone and to embrace the fleeting moment of having time for myself. I'm ready to step up and take reins of where I'm supposed to go. I feel older, mature, and eager to start things on my own. Of course, it will scare me, sadden me, and maybe make me feel lonely--but I'm ready. By being able to be more flexible with my routine and habits, I will be more flexible with what life throws me--and God knows, there are plenty of obstacles I have to hurdle in the near future.

In order for my personal growth to expand a little more throughout this year, I have decided to do a personal resolution thing. I would like to start at least one per month, and then write about it... Hopefully I will have finished more than 12 resolutions by the end of the year and stick with them for the rest of my life! Naturally, some resolutions will take longer than a month, but I want to introduce a new one monthly and keep on at it.

January will be all about biting my nails a whole lot less, take care of them as well as I can and treat myself to a nice manicure when this is achieved. (I have actually been trying to do this for the most of January, so this is perfect to start off with.)

Here's to me and commitment. <3