Last year I chose the word Believe for my word of the year. It was important that I take a year and really focus on believing in myself and that being self employed would work out. I learned a lot this past year and Believe became my mantra on days that were fairly dark and dreary.

2012 was the first time I used a word of the year instead of New Year’s resolutions and I have to say that I’m very happy with the results. Having a word provided me with the focus I needed to be successful.

This year my word of the year is:

I want to explore through travel, new experiences and pushing myself into new situations that are outside my comfort zone.

I have a deep and burning desire to have my feet on European soil this year. Italy is calling to me and it’s getting hard and harder to resist her pull. I’m really hoping that this year I can take a few weeks and explore the culture and food of Italy and other parts of Europe (Romania, Croatia & Ireland to name a few).

I also need (yep, not want, but NEED) to start sending pitches to magazine editors. I would love to write travel or food articles for magazines, but have been too scared to put myself out there. 2013 IS the year that I come to terms with rejection and find my way through the print publishing world. I love writing for my blog, which will continue, but I want to broaden my audience. Plus, I’m addicted to magazines so writing for them is a good fit.

I want to explore deeper and more meaningful relationships with some companies that I worked with in 2012 for the first time. Instead of providing them with just a post or two I would like to work with them on an ongoing basis. I’m also looking forward to continuing my blogging networks relationships. They have helped me provide some great content this year that I have loved sharing.

In addition, I want to explore new relationships with food and travel companies. I am open to press and media trips and learning as much as possible about new destinations. I’d love to have some great foodie opportunities in 2013 as well.

I’ll also be exploring adding more writers to the blog. In 2012 Nancy joined Just Short of Crazy as a review blogger for infant and children items. I love being able to provide readers with this new category of reviews. I hope to add one or two more bloggers by the end of 2013. I want to continue to grow Just Short of Crazy into a community instead of a one-gal show.

Explore is such a great word for 2013. As much as I loved 2012 (it freaking rocked!!!) I’m really looking forward to all the new experiences that await me in 2013.

Thank you all for being a part of Just Short of Crazy.
I couldn’t have done it without you.
I wish you a year filled with happiness and joy!