As an old year wraps up and we raise our glasses to a new one, it's easy to make empty promises that will be forgotten within the next few months. I have promised too many New Years’ before you that I would be different for them. I swore to them and to myself that I would accomplish the goals that I had set and become the best me I could be.

In the years that came before you, I did experience some great moments and accomplished some significant achievements. From my time with them, I gathered some amazing memories and moments. But I also experienced some letdowns and disasters. Ups and downs are a natural element of relationships, but I ended each relationship with each year before you in a similar state of mind: a longing for a new one, a dissatisfaction with what I had accomplished and a sense of disappointment in the year I was leaving behind.

Last year, I experienced heartbreak and sadness. There were times when I lived in the eye of a storm, surrounded by clouds of confusion that were lined with my own mistakes. But I also experienced blue skies and clarity. I felt the butterflies in my stomach take flight as I began to manufacture the life and find the love I had always wanted to have.

At the end of last year, I knew this year would be special. I’ll admit, I think every year will be different, will be my best. Everyone does. But you’re different, because I'm different now. You and I have something that me and the other years before you never had. I am ready for you - ready to take the plunge, master my weaknesses and flourish in my strengths. Ready to be the person that I always promised the others and myself I would be. Ready to accept the ups and downs and ready to deal with them as they come.

I am leaving behind the crashes and burns, the trips and the tumbles in the year that came before you. As I begin this new one, I am taking with me the valuable lessons I have learned and the incredible moments that I will always cherish. I'm bringing them to you, embracing my past mistakes and diving into my future, headfirst.