Hello, 2015.

I have to laugh when I think about how long it's been since I updated this thing. But I figure, hey, new year, new goals, new outlook.

So here am I. 

I'm surrounded by people who are making all these intense new year's resolutions, these things they're aiming to do for a whole year, and I realized that I just don't want to do that. I never have, really, but I think this year, my approach is different than it ever has been before. 

My first status on Facebook for 2015 is this: 

Happy. 

It seems so simple, but let's be real: so many of us get it wrong. 

I believe I've found the recipe to happiness. It's so easy, you guys, but the circuitous route I had to take to get to it is stupid and long, involves the most difficult year my husband and I have ever (and possibly will ever have), fitness, and meditation. 

All that struggle and work on myself to find this: 

Own your life. 

Own the moment you're in. Be honest about where you are. Own the fact that your life is yours, and you can change it. Or not. Be intentional in all things.

You don't like your living situation? Handle it. 

You don't like your money situation? Handle it. 

You don't like your relationship situation? Handle. That. Shit. 

Because only you can. 

When I did a real inventory - of my life, of my husband's life, of my friends' lives, of so many people I know - it was painfully obvious that people don't live here and now. We live in the hypothetical when we should be living in the real. Why put up with a half-assed relationship when you can have a real one? Why put up with a shitty living situation when you don't have to? Why keep that job you hate? Why be in denial about being angry, when you could deal with that anger and really live? 

Because that's the thing. 

Life is too short to not be lived. And there are so many differences between existing and living. 

Living implies change, adaptability, growth. It implies experience. Existence is simply a fact. A physical presence. It means your cells are firing and your brain is alive. Nothing more.

And you know the best way to live? 

To be present in your every waking moment. 

And you know the best way to do that? 

To own those moments, so that they're wholly yours.

So, my goal for 2015 - to be happy - means I'm going to really live this year. I'm going to love and live and laugh and grow and change and enjoy the hell out of this life I've been gifted because WHY NOT? 

Find your joy you guys. Find what puts a smile on your face. 

You know what puts a smile on my face? My daughter. My husband's stupid jokes. Doctor Who. A good book. Pretty earrings. Killer heels. Amy's Mina posts. Good sushi. Killing my workouts like a BOSS. Spending time, however brief, with my favorite people. Writing.

Find your joy, guys. Life is too short for anything else. 

Here's to 2015, y'all. See you soon. 

Til next time, 

Ang