There'll be golden dust at my feet on the sunny side of the street

I know I have to tell you all about Israel but I couldn't end the year without taking a moment to reflect.

In a very unexpected way, 2011, has probably been my best year yet. I didn't meet the man of my dreams or fall in love, I didn't accomplish all or even most of what I wanted to, but I exit 2011 a far better woman than I entered it. I've never felt happier or healthier. I found myself in a deep, dark hole towards the middle of this year and after several months of living life in a blur, waking up every day and wondering if things would get better, I finally woke up one day and decided to MAKE them better. I didn't crawl out of that hole; I catapulted myself out of it.

When many of you met me back in 2008, I was a young girl stuck in a dead end job and dating jerks. I started JGIWC as a way to escape from everything that was holding me down. Nearly four years later, it still serves as both a safe haven and my favorite creative outlet. This blog changed my life. It is truly the gift that keeps giving.

This year, I decided to be the change. I shed myself of extra weight and insecurities. I realized that happiness is a mood and not a destination. I crossed over to the sunny side of the street.

Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. I truly believe it'll be the best one yet.