I know that a lot of issues that I have experienced in my life stemmed from my habit of looking back and dwelling in the past instead of experiencing the present and believing that I would have a brighter future. You can’t see the light that lies ahead of you – or the light that currently surrounds you – if your eyes are focused on the darkness that is behind you. Having said that, I do want to glance briefly into that darkness to recount where I came from.

I began 2009 without a job and without any prospects of what I was going to do. I also performed the yearly ritual of making a resolution to lose weight and forgetting said resolution within the second week of the year. I began to develop strange health issues that were connected to my weight, but I still couldn’t stick with a plan to lose weight. In spite of those things, I was filled with a hope that I’d never experienced in all of my life. Seemed rather unlikely, but I knew, somehow, that 2009 was going to be such a pivotal year for me and I proceeded through the year as if I already had everything that I had wanted.

My secret: Instead of focusing on what I lacked, I voiced my desires and the Universe began to listen to me when I stated the things I knew I was destined to have.

In February, an amazing job opportunity came up and it allowed me to get my finances in order. In May, I began a Weight Loss Challenge and was able to take control of my eating habits and my health, losing over 50 pounds in the process and gaining a better sense of self. In October, an opportunity to travel to New Zealand opened up for me and I have already paid for my trip and purchased my airfare. And now, on December 31st, I am looking back on the miracle that was my year and I am eternally gratefully for all that I have gained AND lost. Everything that happened did so because of a specific purpose and whether or not I knew what that purpose was, I believed that everything would work out as it was supposed to in the end.

And two hours before the new year begins, having glanced behind me to the recent past, I can now turn my head and face forward to stare into the light, ready to embrace each new opportunity and adversity that comes my way in 2010. It is all for a purpose that will make itself known to me at the right time.

Happy New Year, Everyone! May 2010 be YOUR year! Believe it and claim it right NOW!