Bringing in the cheer for this New Year, let’s just promise to erase all our fear. The end of this year has brought some tears. We all deserve a fresh start that will set us apart. 

Looking back on 2020, I was relieved with joy to finish my last golf season. Our team was hot, and we wanted a Championship. The spring season was approaching, and the traveling started. We all remember what we were doing when the news broke out stating our country in a state of emergency. COVID-19 has taken something from every single one of us. None too big or too small. We all have lost something. In retrospect, we all have also learned something significant. The health and safety of others around us are essential. I am blessed to stay my family has stayed safe during this pandemic. Life can be gone in an instant. Reach out to the ones around you. 

The transition from college sports to pursuing my golf career has been challenging. I miss the van rides, locker room pump ups, and all the fun memories that went along with playing a college sport. I have now graduated from college from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelors’s degree in Public Relations. Although I didn’t get a real graduation, I am so proud of all my classmates for achieving this goal. 

The past two years have been nothing but constant doubt, but I am confident I am heading in the right direction. As we reach a new chapter, we should look at this year to create our own happiness. The number of likes, followers, or content we have isn’t going to fix our Self-esteem or bring fulfillment. No one is politically correct. We can think freely. Ex: Free-ly: Not under the control of another; as one wishes.

This year, I want you to try and do what makes YOU happy. Listen to music, read, journal – there are so many things that you can enjoy independently to better your life. I will be the first to admit I am a goofball. I am so full of laughter and love I want to spread my positive attitude with the world. Life is short and should be filled with joy. Living with joy is the best gift to receive. Finding happiness in the little things such as a great coffee, the smell of the brisk morning air, or putting on your favorite sweater. 

Now those reading who do not know me, I welcome you to a safe space where we become the best version of our true selves – together.

The Journaling Challenge:

What You Will Need: 

Journal or notebook (Doesn’t have to be fancy) 

I prefer writing on paper, but a phone or computer will do

 I want you to reflect on what has come and what is yet to come. 

#1. 5 Things I am grateful for:

#2. 5 Things I want to work on:

*(Here is my list for reference)*

5 Things I am Grateful for:

• Family 
• Friendships
• Health 
• Sport 
• Sunshine

5 Things I want to Improve:

• Physical strength 
• Eating habits 
• Creating new memories 
• Improving my golf game 
• Reading more often 

This actually took me longer than expected. Take your time. And really think. This doesn’t need to be generally specific to any situation in particular. 

This will be our cover page. 

Each day, I hope you can find some time to look back on this list to start a new page. What are you grateful for? How did you improve that day? How are you making an initiative to better yourself? 

The correlation with accepting what got you here and for what yet is to be created coincides. 

This two-step process gives you a base to improve your life based on each day. 

I am not saying you have to write a certain word count. This could only be a few sentences if it resonates with you. 

For example: 

 On January 4th, 2021, I am grateful for my friendships because they helped me take the initiative on my physical strength. I had a great workout with my friend, and that will keep me motivated. 

Today, January 5th, 2021, I am grateful for my sport. I played an enjoyable round at work and practiced later at a driving range. I had a lot of fun and brushed up on my game. This falls under my goal of creating new memories. 

Now go out there and start your journal. There is no exact start date. Any day you are willing to take the initiative and better yourself is a great day. Remember, you always set the pace to your own growth.

Sweetly,

Samantha