Happy 2010!!  So, what do you think?  What does this decade hold for you?  Any New Year’s resolutions?  I’ll admit I haven’t thought too much about any for myself.  I guess I pretty much know what’s most important:  starting a career, getting in shape, finding a date.

I’m excited to report that I’ll be working with my neighbors this month as they expand their foundation to support breast cancer research and treatment:  https://www.side-out.org/.  The foundation brings awareness to breast cancer though the sport of volleyball, and teams throughout the country raised over one million dollars in October, funds that will go to further research and support for patients.  I’ve learned a great deal about the foundation simply by talking with my neighbors, and I know working with them will be a rewarding experience.  Despite the fact that it’s a one-month trial basis, I’m nervous.  My time is no longer completely my own, and thoughts about new responsibilities weigh on my mind.  Yes, to put it simply, I’m scared to start working.  Certainly, part of me is looking forward to it, but this exact second, as I type, I’m feeling overwhelmed.  Nonetheless, it’s a pretty darn good way to start the year.

For so many years, I felt sad around New Year’s.  I’m not sure why, although I know part of it has to do with the fact that it marks the end of the holiday season.  I’ve also been known to resist change, and what presents more drastic change than a brand new year?  Last year and this year, I felt differently when New Year’s came around.  It’s cliché for health crisis survivors, I know, but I’m just happy to be around for another year!  From a rooftop in Seattle watching fireworks over the Space Needle to the warmth of a friend’s home in Virginia…I think I rang in both years fittingly, and I’m looking forward to making some remarkable memories this year.

I hope everyone is enjoying their first days of 2010!  Do you feel like you’re in need of a little inspiration to jumpstart your year?  I came upon this website the other day, and I wanted to make sure I shared it with you:  http://www.teamwinterblog.org/.  Have you heard of her before?  You have to watch the video; Winter’s story teaches us strength through adversity, an appropriate theme to encourage positive thinking and acting in the new year.  In another post on the website, I read that her father passed away in March, 2009.  Despite the tragedy of the situation, I am so uplifted by Winter’s dedication and courage.

After watching Winter’s video, you can check out the photos below, ones taken by my friend, Elvira.  She posted them on facebook, and they were so gorgeous, I asked if I could post them on my blog to show all of you.  So, bask in the inspiring story of Winter and the incredible beauty of our country (as seen in Elvira’s pics), and smile.  2010 is a clean slate, and you can write whatever you want as you continue to work on the story of your life.

Love,
Julie