First time since June 27th - the Shoulder God took a shot at me again today. And feeling as demotivated as I’ve been about five times in my life. Going to rise up, sooner rather than later.

New motto I’ve been thinking is a great attitude - think best case, not worst case. It’s a game changer.

I’m a firm believer - based on my life so far - that everyday is a good day above ground. Every single day is better than the one you experienced the previous day. Life is constantly improving, although sometimes you may not feel that in the moment, but it is always getting better and ultimately bringing you to your destination.This was the best year of my life, hands down, no questions asked. But you want to know what motivates me the most? I can guarantee you, based on my outlook, attitude, and motivation, that 2013 will be even better.

This past year, I had dreams&goals. I achieved some of them, however, there were some I didn’t achieve. And although I didn’t achieve them, that doesn’t make it a bad year, because I did every single thing I could to achieve them. I learned a ton in my experiences, and I couldn’t be more thankful for them. Both those I achieved and those I didn’t have helped me become who I am and brought me to where I am sitting right now. So now, to recap.

First I’ll start with the goals I did NOT achieve:

• Didn’t receive a University-wide award at the Bryant Athletics Sports Banquet
• Didn’t break 5:00 in the 500 yard freestyle
• Didn’t pass LDAC 
• Didn’t Commission as an Army Officer

Now for the goals I DID achieve:

• Had a great year leading and mentoring teammates, Cadets, and Soldiers.
• Received several ROTC Distinguished Awards for my performance and leadership
• Was the first person from the Bryant Class of 2012 to be honored and walk under the Archway
• Received a standing ovation at my Graduation Ceremony
• Got my first real job in the real world
• Bought my first car
• Moved in to my first apartment
• Fell in love
• Tried to make every person I met every single day walk by me with a smile. This world and this life is worth smiling about, anything else is a waste.

Coming soon - my goals for 2013.

Been working on my dreams and goals alot lately. I think I found a plan. And now I know there are many things out of my control, so those are the uncontrollables. But I know when I have a dream and a goal that I want, and it is controllable, I am going to achieve it. There’s a chance I can achieve it even if I have to hurdle an uncontrollable too.

And I know I can achieve these dreams and goals because I’ve been proving it to myself more and more lately. Yes, maybe I went through a hard patch where I nearly gave up. But God, my family, my girlfriend, my friends, and my mentors all helped me get my life back together. And now that I got it together, and I didn’t give up on my dreams and goals, things are all falling back into place. The uncontrollables are becoming controllable. My vision is becoming clear. I know what I want, and I know what I’m going to do to get it. And if I get it or not is not up to anybody else but the One upstairs. So I’m going to do it, I know I am. I refuse to let myself to do anything else.

So I’d encourage you to start setting and demanding yourself to achieve your dreams&goals. It is not just an expression that there are no limits. I used to think maybe there were, but I’ve proved to myself over and over again in the last 12 years or so that if you want something bad enough - you will get it.

So get on board. Set your goals and go get your goals. Become the biggest statement maker in the world! Why? How? That’s what you’re going to find out!

And if you want someone to show you how, just follow me…Rangers lead the way.

A year since we first kissed, a year since I knew…A year since my life has changed, a year since your smile took over my life. 

It’s been about 350 days. I can only imagine how good 2 million days feels.

You’re my rock. Therefore it can be rocky when I’m not with you, but knowing the rocks will be paved and your smoothness will return to me is all I need to know to be happy.