Pitfalls and triumphs—we all have them. We all have experiences propelling us towards our biggest dreams and ones that keep us doubting who we are, and what we are capable of. I kicked off the year by opening the pages of a new book. Not by choice though.

In recent months, I’ve fallen victim to my own negative ways of thinking and it wasn’t something I could hide when I came home. Office work had me stressed. A change in my career had me discouraged, and the pressure of it all had me down. My husband secretly surprised me with a book. Although, I honestly felt as if there was no time to squeeze in a reading session, I was actually thrilled to discover the book he purchased for me was written by one of my most favorites; Oprah Winfrey.

The book gifted was titled, “What I Know for Sure.” 3 chapters in, and I am already asking myself this question…What do I know for sure?

Often times I like to sit back and reflect on my life (not really). But honestly, I find it necessary. The choices I’ve made (good and bad) have molded me into the oh-so-amazing person I am today. -wink-

Oprah begins the book by taking you back to her childhood and explores that area of her life. Whether we like it or not, our childhood has a way of shaping our entire future. For some, those years were special, fun, innocent, and free. Others might have undergone extremely difficult situations and are simply happy to have made it through those years to live and tell the story.

Case and point, we made it, we are here, and living life. What I’m realizing is, attitude is everything. A positive outlook on any and every situation is key and makes all the difference. What we believe we attract so live in the moment, in fact, relish in it. Every year right around this time, we all sit back and reflect on what came of last year and how we can be better versions of ourselves in the present.

2018 will mean the following for me. Be positive. Forgive. Love hard. Take chances. Travel. Be who you know you are. Know you will and can accomplish anything you could possibly imagine, just give it an honest effort.

This post was inspired by the single most important paragraph I’ve read so far in Oprah’s book. And I’ll leave you with this…

“No matter what challenge you may be facing, you must remember that while the canvas of your life is painted with daily experiences, behaviors, reactions, and emotions, you’re the one controlling the brush. We are the artists of our own lives.”

Love the (your) journey.