Perfectly Me in Baltimore!

“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” Lao Tzu

Happy New Year!!! It is 2012 – a new year – time to make resolutions and reflect on life.  Where have I been?  Where am I going?  Who am I?  Who do I want to be?  Time for a new beginning!

If you’re like me, you like the idea of a new beginning, but are nervous about the change of a new beginning.

I remember starting college my freshman year. I was so excited to be on my own, in a new environment where I could start fresh with new friends and adventures.  And I was scared to death to be on my own, in a new environment where I could start fresh with new friends and adventures.

I feel that tension in every new beginning – whether it’s starting a new job or new life with my husband.  I fear the unknown but crave opportunities to live my life to the fullest. Even in these (sometimes scary) times of economic uncertainty that scream out, “Stop. Don’t move. Be afraid. Don’t risk anything,” I think it’s important to pursue new beginnings at the risk of losing the security of “the now.”

But as Lao Tzu said, “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”

What does Lao Tzu mean?  I don’t know for sure because I never got a chance to chat with him but I think he means … letting go by leaving a job you don’t like to start a new business that you are passionate about … or letting go of your preconceptions about certain men and being open to a relationship with a new man who may not be “your type” … or letting go of your fear new motherhood and embracing the joy and excitement of new life.

It could even mean letting go of little things like your fear of looking silly at the gym and changing up your routine by trying a kettle bell workout or a new spin class (ahem – this is one of my issues).

Needless to say, all of these changes mean walking into the unknown and hoping the risk is met with reward.

Because I know NEW BEGINNINGS are not always easy, I’ve asked some friends whose new beginnings changed their lives to share some advice with us.

Each week in January there should be a new entry about a new beginning.  Yep, I said “should.”  (I just thought I would add a qualifier because I have made promises on this site before that I did not keep and I want to manage expectations.)

After all, I’m not perfect, I’m just Perfectly Me!

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.
~Joe Sabah~