Love

All you need is love.

While this may be a cheesy start to my word blog, it rings true to the spirit of the New Year. When I reflected on the past year and looked forward to the events of 2013, the thoughts and memories conjured were wrapped entirely in love.

Sean Penn said, "I like to believe that love is a reciprocal thing, that it can't really be felt, truly, by one." Consequently, it makes sense that this reflection also centers on people.I'm grateful for all the ways in which love has found its way into my life.

To list a few...

1.) To have the love and patience of an extraordinary man: July 12, 2013

2.) The little embraces of my nieces and nephews whose presence curb any sour mood.

3.) Sisters: my role models, my compasses, the carriers of our history.

4.) Visiting during the holidays, pictures shared on facebook, cousin's fests, gift exchanges, any time my family is together love is a vital factor

5.) All the conversations and laughs that encompass my friendships -- who makes it through this life without the support of such people?

6.) Colleagues who love their work and who encourage and motivate others every day

7.) Love of travel -- I believe everything is connected -- so when I'm standing on the cliffs of Moher this summer, I have this feeling as though I'm at home.

And because it's New Years Day and because my resolution this year has to do entirely with my word of the day, I'll share...it's my hope that I'll approach more people and situations with this driving force. There have been times in my life when I have loved but have masked it with frustration and anger which can cause other parties to do the same. Death has a way of breaking those walls down, but not offerring the time to change it. I ran out of time, waited too long before. I don't wish to do it again.

Life is short, love is neccesary, why bother with any other way? :)

Happy New Year everyone.