2011 was my year to learn the art of self-forgiveness.  I am extremely self-critical, and it was one of the most difficult times in my life.  I am human, I fail, and that is ok.  I learned to give myself a break, to not relive the past over and over again, and to learn from my failures.  It was hard, but I believe I am a better person now because of it.  I can say with honesty that I am thankful that I went for it, failed, and was humbled by the pain and hardship. I am definitely more empathetic because of it, and I hope that you all find that these failures are simply blessings in disguise just like I did.