Every once in a while in life, we’re forced to assess what’s important in our lives. Over the course of the last few months, I’ve been tested with a situation that ultimately led me to evaluate what I’m worth to myself and others. When the enticing opportunity that catapulted this test initially presented itself, it was attractive because it was something new and refreshing. It made my adrenaline rush, but I realized that “different doesn’t mean better” and the “grass isn’t always greener on the other side.” Life taught me to love my grass and to nurture it in order to make a fertile environment.

The start of 2013 marks the beginning for new opportunities. As one year ends and a new one commences, celebrating a new year is always a great opportunity to reflect on how you much you’ve grown or achieved, mistakes you’ve made, lessons you’ve learned and new goals you aspire to achieve. You measure how far you’ve come and assess your next steps.

Some may hate on gray, but it’s actually a beautiful color. From a fashion sense, it compliments every color of the spectrum and looks magnificent with bold shades, such as orange, red and yellow. It can also be subdued and paired with earth tones and its predictable partners: black and white.