2014

2013 kind of hung me out to dry. Especially the last few months. But I'm also grateful for 2013. I know the kind of person I want to be—that's not to say I'm always perfect at executing those ideals, but I know what I'm working towards. 

2014, I'm expecting big things from you. I'm trying to dream bigger and work harder. I'm trying to treat my body more kindly (hello, gym...) and get more sleep. I'm trying to be better at time management so I can be better at fun. But most importantly I'm trying to be more gentle with myself. And others. Things are rarely as black and white as I sometimes convince myself they are.

The night my sisters and I flew back to NJ for Christmas break, we were at Liz's apartment eating dinner—I started laughing so hard at my own joke that I choked on my burrito. Clearly I am the epitome of grace. But my point is, be gentle with yourself. Give yourself a little credit. You are awesome. In this case, you are funny. And it's okay to think so, even if your sisters didn't at the moment (haha). You are amazing. No, not you in a year, or you in 10, or you when you get that job offer, or you when you graduate. You are awesome today. It doesn't matter what your snarky professor tells you, or what your leaders (bless their hearts) say. What you say and think is the important thing. You are amazing! That's not to say that there isn't room for improvement—obviously there always is. But, where you are, right now, at this exact moment, is pretty amazing. That's what I would tell 2013 Lauren. And I'd give her a hug too. 

Anyway, in 2014 I'm going to try and make a difference, hence I Was Here. Also Beyoncé. That is all.

P.S. I just thought of The Help. I guess what I'm trying to say is, "You is smart, you is kind, you is important." Also, you is funny.