I spent most of today outlining what I’d like 2012 to look like – in terms of my business, health and personal goals; something that I take very seriously at the beginning of every year. I have to say – this is my most ambitious set of goals since 2010 (I never actually ended up mastering juggling while tap dancing btw).

Looking back on 2011, I’d have to say that the one word to describe how I feel about this past year is thankful. I’ve built a company – my own company that allows me to do exactly what I want and love to do every single day. I get to work with people and businesses that I love and admire and see the impact of that work. All of this is definitely due to literal blood, sweat and tears (and a huge leap of faith) but equal credit is due to quite a few people who have helped me out along the way.

I owe a lot of thanks to A LOT of people for making my dreams possible – from Chris Schultz and the LaunchPad community keeping me connected and inspired to Ray and Bev Nichols for believing in me before I even did. From Aileen Bennett and Suzy Rivera pushing me to start my own company and supporting me along the way and ALL of the Rivera sisters talking me off the ledge, keeping me focused and becoming like a second family here in New Orleans. On the flipside – I’m so extremely thankful for how great my health has been this year and can’t say enough good things about Jessica Blanchard and her Ayurveda practice. And perhaps my biggest thanks for this year is to my beautiful and supportive girlfriend – Pauline, for being everything that I need at every second of every day.

There are about 100 more people who deserve equal thanks for their kindness…you know who you are. My gratitude is so much larger than the words “thank you” can encompass so I’ll end on sharing one of my many resolutions for this year: paying it forward. What is “it?” The gift of believing in others – unconditionally.