A couple days back, I began to write a reflection of this year. Unfortunately, it disappeared as I was almost finished with it. So I thought, “It’s not worth my time anymore.” But, I think this year deserves a proper goodbye. This was…one of my favorite years.

The Conclusion.

“When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision.”

My 2011: Progression. A positive change in everything I do and think. Meaning, this is a personal thing. Making a change in yourself isn’t about pleasing others or making deadlines to keep believers believing in you, it’s about knowing your own speed and working on what you believe is right for yourself.

This year I wanted to progress. I wanted to personally grow as a person. And I couldn’t be any more happier with the success knowing that I have been able to complete a year-long goal. I’ve learned a lot, and I have a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful for the family of friends that I have made this year. I am especially thankful for finding those certain people who are the realest. The ones that make me feel comfortable with vulnerability. They know. It’s probably one of the greatest gifts I have receive this year. I also feel like this year I have matured as a person. I can feel it. From the choices that I make and the situations I dive into. I feel like a much stronger person mentally. I’m thankful for the places I’ve been to. I have never traveled so much in a year, and although it wasn’t far, I am grateful for all the memories that have occurred in each of these places. My eyes and heart have never been happier. I’m also proud of my schoolwork. I know it’s been a roller-coaster of progress, but I’m happy that I ended the year with way better grades than I did in the beginning of the year. It’s all fuel for next year.

Lastly, I am thankful for a growing motivation in dance. I think this was probably one of my favorite challenges of this year. There were so many times where I felt like giving up. There were times where I thought that this wasn’t for me. But I didn’t let these thoughts get to me. And I am so glad. First off, finally being immersed in the dance community is already a dream come true in itself. I have been able to watch and perform alongside teams that I aspire from, and have discovered new teams and choreographers that have become main inspirations. I owe it to my first dance team 909, for they have really nurtured me in humility and gratefulness when it comes to dance. They have really changed my perspective of dance for the better, and I couldn’t have wanted to enter the dance community any other way. To add on, I have finally found direction in my dance and the particular style that I want to grow in. And, this year I have been blessed with so much opportunity to grow and progress as a dancer this year that now, the want to get better is a personal journey. Dance to express, not to impress.

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it…When you want something with all your heart, that’s when you are closest to the Soul of the World. It’s always a positive force.”

The Resolution.

The idea is to excel with each year that comes by. Always strive to do better than the previous year. Always have that mindset to continue to raise the bar in progression and execution. There’s always more room for progression, and I will continue to do so. But I think that I will use this year to inspire and be inspired. To be more firm and determined in everything that I do. I want to take all that I’ve learned this year and develop it into so much more. I’ll write a little more. Listen a little more. Dance a little more. Open my heart little more. Maybe this year is about letting go, and experiencing new. More…internal goals. I’m scared of the uncertainty that I don’t exactly know what this new year has in store for me, or rather what I want from this upcoming year, but I guess that’s one of the challenges isn’t it? To go into the new year without expectations and look for the best in everything that comes my way. I’m ready to take that risk, to let go of familiarity and step deeper into the unknown.

“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure. You’ve got to find the treasure, so that everything you have learned along the way can make sense.” - The Alchemist

-Rae.