During the year as any month comes to an end, I usually like to reflect, have a small celebration (such as a nice dinner out or delicious bakery dessert from the grocery store), and form positive goals for the next month ahead. This month is definitely one of those months worthy of reflection. While the first two months of the year 2018 have started out to be rocky and bumpy for me, I have noticed the road ahead becoming gradually smoother as I continue to stay ambitious, committed, and positive.

First off, my anticipation about March 2018 was surprisingly accurate! My goals for March 2018 were to leap forward in all kinds of ways, including more positive thinking, leaving my hazy, depressed mood in February, and anticipating and embracing change or surprises in any way. I knew that it was going to be a smooth month when I woke up at 6 a.m. on the very first day of the month ready to get going for my 8 a.m. lecture (I guess it really was my lucky day). However, one factor that really changed my outlook for the month and smoothed out any possible bumps was being able to find the same of a smooth, catchy song from a movie introduction that had been in my mind for a long time. The song is a 1986 hit single known as Emotion in Motion by Ric Ocasek from the Cars. The smooth, mellow beat along with hints of rock and mystical pop gave me even more appreciation for 1980's music as well as even more motivation for marching and springing forward.

The power of good music and positive thinking is surreal. Although March 2018 had the full 31 days, it had the perfect pace and did not feel like a drag. Daylight Savings Time had little to no negative effect on my energy, and my spring break was just what the doctor ordered. Of course I stayed adventurous and therefore made good memories such as trying out one of the best Mexican places that I have ever been to, which is known as Tortilla Factory near the local mall. In fact, I am going there again to celebrate this overall smooth sailing month!

Granted, it was not a perfect month, but what month is perfect? As a college student and a traveler, you can expect that there will be inevitable changes that can lead to plentiful anxiety, drowsiness, and stress. While they were definitely present, they were not prominent. Missing the bus to my spring break destination on Saint Patrick's Day was not very lucky, but I was lucky to have family and friends to support me and ensure that I had a place to stay, food to eat, and happiness. I simply bought a ticket for the next bus and made it to North Carolina the next day and thanks to my positive mindset and gratitude journal, any anxiety that was present had effortlessly subsided. The best therapy for me was being able to travel to the good old mountains in Boone, North Carolina during spring break and experience a lot of surprise snow before winter officially said goodbye.

Overall, March was the perfect opportunity for me to leap, march, and spring forward into spring, and I have never felt better knowing that I can combat anxiety and problem solve with just a few simple steps!