I've made resolutions at the end of the year before, but a couple years ago I learned two very important things about them. First, you should never limit yourself to first-of-the-year resolutions. You should always look for opportunities to grow, change and better yourself. Evolution is a life long process and if you want to do something or change something about yourself, then do it now.

The other thing I learned has been so well said by Superhero Andrea: "Resolutions are a setup for failure...because we are not inspired by deprivation." I am ALL about creating things for yourself.
I believe everyone has the power within them to build a great and extraordinary life. Sometimes it's easier said than done, but it IS doable.

I think it is natural to reflect on the past year when it is ending. This morning before I left my house, I was thinking about my life one year ago. It was one of the darkest times of my life. Every day was a chore to get through. All I wanted to do was stay in bed. I felt dead to the world and everything around me seemed lifeless and distant. I hated my life.

Today, I love my life. It's by no means glamorous and nothing particularly exciting happens, but it's a pretty great life filled with people I love, laughter and color. I take such pleasure in the little things. Being greeted with a "Hey Brian" when I pick up my breakfast from my favorite cafe. Making the lady at the UPS Store laugh. Getting my eighth purchase of tea free at the coffee shop. Watching my cat sleep. Getting instant messages at work that make me laugh out loud. The other day someone asked me how my day was. I said it was great. He asked, "what was so great about it?" I told him I didn't know, it just was. That's how I feel lately. Everything is good and the way it's suppose to be.

I love, love, love the idea of the Mondo Beyondo list. Making a list of things so far-fetched, you think they could possibly never happen. Things that can actually scare you to write them down. A very cool idea. I encourage you all to write your own and share it, either here, on your own blog or on Andrea's.

• I will talk to strangers and really listen to them
  


• Host sock puppet kareoke night
  


• Start freelancing
  


• I will be 100% debt free for the rest of my life
  


• Become one of those crazy active people who are always doing things like hiking, yoga and stuff
  


• Travel the world and learn its music
  


• Create a family