This Is It

Every day as I drive to work, I see the outside of a door. The only difference between this door and any other is that it is positioned on the side of a second-story house. So theoretically, an unsuspecting person could open it and fall to the ground.
I think that the start of each New Year is a lot like this door. You have to trust that you won't fall, no matter where the doors open. Or if you fall, know that life is about falling, picking yourself up and moving on.
It is also important to remember that you can only change yourself to some extent, and you cannot change those around you. No matter what you decide your actions will be for 2006, the previous year and the people around you will affect those choices.

Be at peace. There is nothing worse than an invisible source gnawing at your insides. I know from experience that pain and hate will nibble on you until you are raw. In the end, it just takes longer to heal.

Don't look back. The past is gone. Fix what you need to and move ahead. Understand that you only get today (most likely tomorrow, as well, but you know what I'm trying to say here).
Stick up for yourself. As my mother once said (I needed to hear it more than she will never know), in the end, you are the only person who can take care of yourself.

Learn from your mistakes.
Take risks. I know I am and I'll let you know how things turn out.