In 2014....

I celebrated my Birthday at Magic Kingdom.
I became a Wilderness Explorer.
I earned my ears & became an expedition guide at Kali Rapids Expeditions (the #1 rafting company in Anandapur).
I dined with royalty and in not just one, but two castles.
I saw Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato, Little Mix, 5SOS & 1D live in concert.
I met Little Mix.
I had "Dreams that Glow Wondrous Dazzling Brilliantly" in a Festival of Fantasy.
I had class in Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom.
I fell in love with an ape.
I became obsessed with the sky, and now appreciate every sunset, star, rainbow...you name it!
I flew with elephants.
I spent time in a garden full of butterflies flying around me.
I celebrated my program at Typhoon Lagoon with Pirates.
I earned both my Mousters and Ducktorate Degrees :)
I walked on the Yellow Brick Road.
I went mining with the Dwarfs early before they invited other guests to ride.
I ended many nights by admiring any number of firework shows.
I attended Hogwarts for a day.
I flew to Never Land.
I celebrated Animal Kingdom's 16th Birthday.
I went backstage of a show at Epcot.
I danced on Main Street.
I just kept swimming.
I wished in a well.
I saw a double rainbow.
I danced at a Disney Audition.
I attended my Disney graduation with the 2 best mice around.
I went to the zoo for a picnic.
I worked at a farm.
I worked on a train.
I played in Chicago.
I revisited my home in Florida twice.
I met Robin Roberts.
I celebrated Christmas in a Kingdom.
I made friends for life.
I celebrated magic.
...just to name a few!

It is interesting, because for the first time in my life, I spent an entire year not in the traditional and conventional confines of "school," but I learned the most I ever have. It is such a cliché to say that I've grown so much and learned a lot as a person, especially at the end of a year, but it is absolutely true. I learned things this year that I never knew I never knew.

I am such a strong person now (not yet physically), and an overall more content human being. Of course the year didn't come free of some downsides. I cried a lot (over things that retrospectively didn't deserve it), I got pretty sick, and I had days that left me feeling really negative. But you know what? I smiled and laughed a lot more, and I had my personal best year as far as feeling more positive overall that I've had in a long time.

I'm learning to gain some perspective, and choose to look for the positive in any given situation or circumstance, and not succumb to the negative which before has overwhelmed me. Going into 2015, I have a few things I plan to work on to better myself, and I look forward to having the chance to improve.

I know that 2015 will come with many ups and downs, and I'm prepared for that as much as I can be. It's all about how we react to the things that come our way!

There is also nothing wrong with trying to create more high points in your life, and that is something I plan to do for myself. At Disney, we created happiness, and we maintained the magic for others, why not do this for ourselves? I plan to.

Do you make resolutions for the New Year? If so, tell me, what are you motivating yourself to work on or change? You can do it!

Thank you for spending a bit of your year with me, it's been fun!
Until next year!
x Lauren