Dare To Be

Every year we all have the opportunity to start fresh and become a better version of ourselves. New Year’s resolutions usually involve vows of eating healthier, exercising more and sometimes spending more time in the self-help section at your local bookstore. And for others it also means renewing efforts to grow closer to different family members, friends and/or God.  Each year, I always jump on the bandwagon and create my own list of resolutions.  Most of the time, I don't complete my list and I upset with myself for not finishing what I started. I wanted to share the quote below that I found a few weeks ago on Instagram. When I saw it, I decided that it would be the perfect theme for me in 2014.   This year, I’m daring myself to be the best I can be and that’s it.  I’m no longer going to worry about the end of the year results.  I’m just going to focus on myself one day at a time. 

                                Dare to Be



When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully.



When there is darkness, dare to be the first to shine a light.



When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.



When something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.



When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.



When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.



When you’re feeling tired, dare to keep going.



When times are tough, dare to be tougher.



When love hurts you, dare to love again.



When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.



When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.



When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.



When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.



When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.



When the day has ended, dare to feel as you’ve done your best.



Dare to be the best you can.


At all times, Dare to be!

― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

In 2014... I dare to be:

• Spiritual – I will end each day with Bible reading and improve my prayer life.
• Athletic – I will rain for and complete 4 half-marathons.
• Swift – I will run under 2:00 hours for at least one of my half-marathons.
• Healthy – I will drink more green smoothies and eat less carbs.
• Responsible     – I will recycle my wardrobe and minimize unnecessary impulse purchases.
• Crafty – I will learn how to sew at least one skirt and a dress.
• Artistic – I will enroll in a photography class and take my camera out of "auto" mode.
• Frugal – I will create a budget to save money from each paycheck and spend less.
• Balanced – I will perform a headstand without the support of the wall by the end of the year.

Well, those are my resolutions for the rest of the year.  No Apologies, No Excuses, No Regrets... What are your resolutions for this year?  Who do you dare to be in 2014? Let me know in the comments.