I think that every experience in my life right now is teaching me to live my own life, how I think that I should live it, instead of how I think other people want me to.

The main example of this is the fact that I am engaged. I am incredibly happy with him and he treats me like a goddess that fell from heaven. Nevertheless I find myself worrying about what others might think, because I am so young. Also, that we plan to have a longer engagement, which brings on some scorn from my more religious friends.

I must learn to live my life for my own happiness, and remind myself that if being with my partner is what makes me happiest, despite the opinions of others, then that is what I should do.

I have always been good with money. I am not necesarily rich, but I only spend money on what I absolutely need.  And I always seem to have it when I need it. Though, occasionally, I will treat myself to a little something. I've found that if I think "I don't have money" or "I won't have money", then eventually I will lose money. I also observed that taking good care of my bills seems to attach good energy to it, like making sure they are all straight and facing the same direction.

Right now, I am learning to break away from those who would like to control me just for the sake of giving themselves power, such as my father. It is very difficult, because I love those people so much, but I am trying to remind myself that if I truly love them, I will stop coddling them and let them learn on their own.

Yes, it is difficult, but thankfully, I have the support of my mother and of my partner to keep me grounded in my goals.

Stand up for myself :)
Self love!
YAY ME!!! :D

I smiled this morning when my doggies met me at my bedroom door. I love the unconditional love of animals. It always lifts my spirits. :)

I think that it is different for everyone. But for me, it is learning to love myself just as much as my partner loves me. For how can one truly love and honor another if one has not yet learned to love and honor oneself?

Most of the time, spending time alone seems to lift my spirits. Just sitting down and reading a book or painting really calms me down. Talking to friends and family also makes me happy when I am down.

My first love had dumped me after 8 months on the week of valentine's day. I was in high school at the time, and I decided to go to the snowcoming dance that weekend with one of my girlfriends. My ex showed up and was being rude to me, and it made me upset. James was friends with my ex and saw how he treated me. I was crying and he came over and talked to me for the rest of the night, while my ex danced with other girls right in front of me.

After that, we started talking on the phone and in a few months we decided to date. I am graduated now, and he remains my eternal love. He treats me like a goddess and loves me like a piece of his soul.

Every day, I thank God for my first love. Without whom I would not have learned what I truly deserved, and without the heartbreak he caused I would never have found James. :)

To me, winter means being very cold, and having to use the restroom alot (because of the cold), hee hee, but it also means having more of an opportunity to relax.

1) What new experience(s) did you have in 2008?
I graduated from high school and became an official intructor for my Martial Arts School. I was able to vote for president. My first love and I went our separate ways and believe me, it was pain like no other, but I have learned so much since then. And I got a very large book of poems out of it all that i hope to publish. So anyone with suggestions on what publishing company to try would be greatly appreciated. :)

And it also paved the way for a new person in my life. :) (see question 4)
    
2) What inspired you in 2008?
My mother, she has been my utmost support in this difficult time. She has encouraged me and reminded me that I can accomplish anything that I set my mind to. Even though we argue occasionally, she is my mom, and I love her. 

    
3) What challenged you this year? 
Everything! This is my crossroads. The beginning of the journey from childhood into adulthood. And I'm scared to death, lol. The stress has been phenominal, but I'm learning to manage. After all, "why do we fall?" So we can learn to pick ourselves up again. :)

    
4) What new person or people entered your life?
That would be my boyfriend. When I met him I realized that it wasn't normal for your partner to talk to you like you were an idiot. I learned what real love was. How if you really, truly love someone, you should love ALL of them, quirks, faults and all.
He has helped me start loving myself again. It has been almost a year- my longest relationship so far- and my only wish is that it will never end. I am not perfect, he is not perfect either. But he is defenitely perfect for me. :)


    
5) Which global event(s) had a strong impact on you?
The war has had a big impact on me. I also thought  alot about the presidential elections as they drew nearer.