Do you ever have those moments when you feel like you have been somewhere before? I am sitting here in Starbucks, browsing articles, and an overwhelming sensation came over me. I have never sat in this exact seat in this exact chilly moment by the window at this newly opened Starbucks, yet I feel that I have been right here. 

Thinking, contemplating, wondering, searching, and uncovering all of the emotion of life. The work, the stress, the happiness, the sadness, and everything in between. Decisions are tough, and at the same time so easy. I have a best friend that tells it like it is, and she always asks, do you feel shackles on or shackles off. 

As I think about the future and what it has in store, it both scares me and excites me. I am making goals for 2016 today. Not resolutions, a visual story of what I want from 2016, something I do every year. It is a year to dream even bigger, to conquer the desires of your heart and make dreams come true. 

It is a year for  more sunrises. To enjoy the beauty of the stillness of the mornings and the work completed before many are getting out of bed. It is a year for connection, and a year that writing will become bigger and better. It is a year to challenge myself. To give more, to be more, and to grow. It is a year to connect with friends at a level that allows us to help each other grow and expand.

Life’s twist and turns are often interesting, however all a part of the journey. When you think you have it all figured out, something happens and you feel like a 2×4 hit you over the head and knocked you down. The knock down may actually be a step in the right direction. 

2016 is for more perspective. It is for understanding, for learning, and for discovering what matters. Conversations will be abundant. Work will be meaningful, and love will be about stirring the soul. 

Desires, wishes, and dreams are something to aspire to. Sure, I would love to be Cam Newton’s date this New Year’s eve, but then what? This year is from the heart, every decision, every conversation, every interaction. I want it raw, vulnerable, and uncomfortable, because I know it will be the biggest year of growth. I don’t want easy, because that has never fulfilled me. 

As I cloud surf into the new year, I remind myself of the dreams I made come true in 2015, and the new ones to reach for in 2016. 

So yes, I have been here before, and so have you.  A new year, a clean slate, a place to choose. Not only for the new year, but for today. Today is not the rest of your life. What will you do today to benefit the rest of your life? 

Dream bigger, choose each day to invest in yourself. That slight edge will help you grow, and inspire your heart to feel more. I want more feeling. I don’t want late nights and forgotten mornings. Bring the sunrise and sunsets, and feed each day with the magic inside. There will be ups and downs, and unexpected things, but take it head on. 2016 I’m coming for you, and nothing or no one can let it down but me.