I believe that self reflection is a lot like spring cleaning. It's a time to evaluate what you have, what you need, and what you can dispose of. As you do this, you will find some things you will and should continue to carry with you on your journey. These "things" should be positive attributes that are still of use to you. Likewise, there are always some things that you could live without and definitely benefit by riding yourself of. Choose to keep the beneficial, and rid yourself of the destructive.

There are few experiences I have gone through in my life that have forever changed me. One of these life changing moments had a greater impact on my attitude than I ever imagined. During spring break of 2005, my grandmother brother, and I went to Mexico for a vacation. As I boarded the plane, I anxiously thought about the beautiful beaches, souvenirs, and taking plenty of pictures to show my friends. As I anticipated the time of my life, I had no idea I would return home with a valuable life lesson and a change of attitude. This trip to Mexico was definitely a turning point in my life.

HOPE
(noun)-
the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best: to give up hope.

(verb)- to believe, desire, or trust: I hope that my work will be satisfactory.

Have you ever really stopped to reflect on the true meaning of "hope"? When asked to define this familiar four-letter word, definitions may vary from person to person. However, it all revolves around one central theme; unyielding faith. To hope is to believe, trust, or maybe desire a certain outcome. People are passionatly hopeful regarding different subjects. Every living, breathing, functioning being carries a certain degree of hope (some more than others). But it is this "hope" in itself that keeps our hearts pumping, our spirits lifted, and our heads held high. And yes, lost hope can cause more pain and suffering than we often give credit for. Without hope, every day becomes a challenge. The cup is no longer half full-it's half empty. It is at this point that attitude and perspective will either make or break a person. As we lose hope, we tend to lose focus. Our needs and wants are not being met. Instead of taking proactive measures, we tend to nurish and feed into negative thoughts. "Why ME?", "Why can't anything ever go right?"...