With each passing year, it appears as though life only moves more quickly. Flying by without the chance to stop it, or even slow it down, there are so many of life's incredible moments that we tend to miss. May it be an act of kindness displayed by a dear friend, or the respect of a stranger, we are moving far too quickly to notice these things at all. As I reach a point in my life where I am faced with the end of many things, I am also faces with an abundance of new beginnings. While finding the balance in these major life changes, I recognize that I am not getting any younger. With every passing year, I vow to make these eight promises to myself, to find the person within me that I aspire to be.

I promise to laugh hard, and laugh often, as life is far to short to be taken so seriously. After all, none of us are getting our alive. I vow to laugh with the friends that bring me the utmost joy. I vow to laugh with my family over the stupid things we do, and ridiculous situations we land in. I vow to laugh by myself, and at myself on occasion. I vow to laugh until my face turns red, and my breath is gone, because it saves me a trip to the gym.

I promise to love deeply, always. No matter the pain in the world, or the hurt in my heart, I vow to find love in all things. Love for my life. Love for my future. Love for my friends. Love for my family. Love for others, and most important, love for myself.

I promise to value the little things, the unintentional things that fill our hearts with indescribable joy. I vow to admire the beautiful flowers, and the sunshine every chance I get. I vow to take the time to notice the love people share, and the kind words and actions of those around me. I vow to appreciate the nights I get a good nights sleep, and the days that I want to do absolutely nothing. I vow to think outside the box and appreciate all the things gone unseen by so many.

I promise to be kind, as everyone in this world is fighting their own hard battle. I vow to show kindness to all people, especially to those who do not deserve it, because nothing annoys them more. I vow to value the kindness shown to me in return and extend my deepest gratitude to these individuals who care for others the way that I aspire to.

I promise to help others every chance I get, as the strongest people in life are those who truly need it the most. I vow to extent my values in supporting others through their hard times, as someday I may be in need of a helping hand in return.

I promise to be grateful for life itself, as I have watched far too many beautiful lives end sooner than they should. I vow to value the time that I have with those whom I love, as tomorrow is never guaranteed. I vow to let the beauty of life consume me while I have the chance, because you never know when something may change.

I promise to dream big, and dream far. I vow to hold the faith that any dream can come true, as long as you work hard to get there. I vow to recognize those who help me make my dreams come true, as you never get anywhere solely on your own.

Most importantly however, as these years continue passing me by at a rate far too quickly, I promise to live while I have been given the chance. Life is a gift that should be treasured always, as you only receive one. But, if you do it right, one is all you need.