I have a confession to make. I'm a worrier. I worry about money, work, family, friends ... and the list goes on and on. I can't seem to help myself.

But in 2014, I'm going to make a concerted effort to worry less ... about everything. I'm going to start the new year off with a new outlook.

I spent entirely too much time in 2013 worrying about money and whether I would be able to afford food if I put gas in my car. Those may seem like legitimate worries, but why should I spend countless hours worrying over whether I have enough money when I could be doing something to improve my financial situation? 2014 may not see me any richer than I've been in 2013, but I can at least budget my money a little better. That way I can have my gas and food to eat, too.

In 2014 there will be less time spent feeling guilty about not visiting, calling or keeping up with people ... especially those people who never visit, call or make an effort to keep up with me. It won't mean I care any less for them (some of them anyway). It just means I've grown up and know how I should be treated in any type of relationship regardless of if it's romantic, familial or friendship. All relationships are two-way roads, and 2013 will be the last year I waste my time walking both sides.

It's inevitable that work will follow you home sometimes, and although I'm certainly not plugged into the station 24/7 it does occupy a lot of my free time, and by that I mean my thoughts. I spend a lot of time thinking about the next day, schedules, story possibilities, etc. Work is also a predominant theme in my out-of-work conversations. Venting is healthy, but I know I tend to dwell on things ... and I'm sure my husband would agree. So next year I'm going to try to keep my work-related conversations and thoughts to a minimum. After all, how can I live in the present and enjoy the little things if work is always intruding?

As 2013 comes to a close, I wish you all a Happy New Year. May all your endeavors be fruitful and your adventures fun.