Should auld acquaintance be forgot.

The first thing I felt as I watched the ball drop this year was jealousy. I watched as couples embraced each other with nothing but bitterness in my heart.

Then I was sad. I am not a fan of feeling lonely.

Then I was mad at myself for being sad.

Then I got a phone call.

Stuart's friend passed away in a car accident tonight. I met him once, Stuart and I sat with him at a Braves game. I do not remember much about him, but knowing that someone who used to be and now is no longer baffles me.

I have a pit in my stomach. So many people are celebrating right now while his friends and family mourn.

This is not at all the fresh attitude I intended to start the year with.

But at the same time, there is something to be learned in all this, not that his life is meant to serve as a lesson, but perhaps this is my wake up call.

When Stuart and I hung up the phone, Kris Allen came on the television in the other room. He sang "Live Like We're Dying."

This is not another year to dwell in complacency. This is not another year to take in stride. This is not another year to want, to need, to desire, to covet, to anger, to withhold, to complain. This is a year to fulfill.

We are here to fulfill promises. Our purpose is to make an impact, not to be a person. Do not continue to fill your shoes with feet every morning. This is your year to slip on your shoes each day and make an impact. Show generosity, show love, show compassion, show vulnerability, show joy.

Be not who you once were, nor what you long to be, but who you are.

There is not enough time left for you to remain stagnant.

There are so many people who need food, people who need blankets, people who need friends, people who need people.

You can make a difference. Everyday.

We should work on that together, you and I, over the next 365 days.

Our new year's resolution; to fill this world each day with a little more love than we started it with.

Do not hesitate, beautiful, because what the world needs now is love, sweet love.