2018 was a year of love, loss, life and change. Always change. Last year taught me to follow my heart, dream big, embrace the unknown and to love deep.

As I look ahead not only to what I want to accomplish for myself, I want others around me to experience the same. We have long to-do lists and I don’t want to get lost in it.

But don’t get me wrong. I love crossing off things on that list. But I want my life to be more than a to-do list. I want to focus on being rather than doing. I want to focus on who I want to be.

Because without knowing the kind of person I want to be, it’s hard to figure out what to do to get there.

For 2019, my wish for you and I is:

Be the one who cares too much.

Be the one who wears their heart on their sleeve because you still believe and know there is hope.

Be the one who is fearless even when you don’t have the answers.

Be the one who sees the good in every situation and who people look to for that smile or sparkle in your eye that makes everything okay.

Be the one who knows your worth and understands your value isn’t determined by someone else.

Be the one who asks questions, digs deeper into the reasons “why” and never stops learning from others who have different ideas, opinions and thoughts.

Be the one who is proud of what you’ve done and accomplished. You’ve been through a lot and you made it through.

Be the one who fights. Fights for yourself, your goals and dreams and to use that strength to love yourself harder.

Be the one who is patient, with yourself and others. No matter how long it takes you to get there, know that each step helps get you to where you are supposed to be.

Be the one who tries. Tries new things, experiences, and gives everything into things that bring you joy.

Be the one who believes in themselves and in the goodness of others. You have a purpose and you deserve beautiful things and rich moments in life.

Lastly, be the one who loves. Who loves deep, without hesitation and with everything you have.

There is nothing stronger than someone focused on being who they were truly meant to be. When you focus on yourself, you change yourself, your family, community, industry and world.

Cheers to you, this year and being.