looking in the mirror.

Doesn't it seem like the day before a long holiday weekend lasts an eternity? The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, tall drinks are waiting, and the clock is ticking like t......h.......i......s. As we all celebrate the end of summer, whether you are hosting friends, seeing family, traveling, or staying home, make sure you take some time this weekend to yourself. Time for personal reflection is one of the most important therapies you can give to your soul. Here we are in September of 2011. Where were you a year ago? What are your goals for the remainder of the year? What kinds of milestones have you reached in the last decade? Where can you improve? Regardless of the mistakes you made or heights you climbed, give yourself a pat on the back for making it to today. We all experience hardships and rocky waters, but to be sitting here on September 2, 2011, we deserve some credit. We may all have a long journey ahead and a laundry list of ways we can improve, but we have to remember to slow down from the whirlwind of daily life to consider how far we've all come. So sit back, relax, and spend some time with you, yourself, and....you?! Some people chose to make lists, write in a journal, or just simply take time to think over a cold beverage or good book. Whatever your method may be, you can only grow as a person through your own personal reflection. Every experience offers a lesson, whether good or bad, small or big. With only 120 days left of 2011, there is still plenty of time this year to improve yourself- whether it be on the inside or outside. It seems appropriate that as we wrap up the summer, we look ahead to fall and winter as holding potential for serious growth and reflection. When put into perspective, every 24 hours we are offered a new beginning- so may you wake up tomorrow stronger and more in tune with yourself than you are today.