It’s that time of the year again.

2014 will be a year I always remember and respect: I made no major purchases or career changes; I spent almost all of my free time either being lazy or contemplating a single topic; but today I see myself and the world very differently.

I feel like a lot of the things I want to say have already been said in previous posts… But I plow on.

This is the year I came out. I finally opened the gates and allowed myself to experience the world. I learned to be authentic with others. I learned to like myself. I experienced many firsts.

This is the year I made friends. I reconnected with old friends, and at work, church, and through North Star I found an amazing variety of dear new friends who love me. I continue to be amazed and grateful.

This is the year I began to take charge. In past years I’ve often felt as if I’m just trying to keep my head above water, reacting to problems and threats like a drowning man desperate for air. This year I finally feel like I’ve gained a strong foundation. I feel like I can take on the challenges ahead without losing myself.

2015

Speaking of the challenges ahead, the other half of New Year’s is to look forward at the coming year and make resolutions. I’m happy to say I have none!

No “resolutions,” at least. Instead I have chosen a single word to act as mantra and motivation, a guiding principle throughout the year in all decisions and aspects of life: Decide.

In 2015 I want to continue along my current path, climbing out of the swamp I’ve languished in for so long. I want to feel like I am making my own decisions. I want to be the captain of my soul.

When I look back at this year, I won’t remember every particular event, but I will remember how much I changed. Bring on the new year!