With the passing of the New Year Holiday, everyone seems to turn their focused towards how they can better themselves and what they need to do to improve. In this season I challenge you to reflect on how far you have come from where you stood last year as a reminder that we are ever growing.

January 2017

I wouldn't travel out of the country without knowing anyone.

I wouldn't take weekend trips with my friends because I was too worried about working, school or money.

I wouldn't try something new in front of people because then they might know I don't have it all together.

I wouldn't go paddle boarding alone behind my own house...because "it's too cold", "I might fall in", "what if I see someone else out there and I'm all by myself." I would settle to sit and watch the view from the comfort of my own porch, instead of going out and living in it.

I wouldn't go walking on the beach by myself.

A Year In Review

June 2017 - Traveling to Ireland this summer, a location that has been on my bucket list since I was a little girl, through a study abroad trip I didn't know a single soul on. I left the week and a half spent here with new friendships and broadened horizons. Traveling is the best investment.

October 2017 - The breathtaking Sumter National Forest and lovely friends I got to experience it with while taking a weekend trip.

December 2017 - Tried something out of my element snow skiing in Colorado and ended up loving it so much I found a new hobby, be going back to shred again soon.

January 2018 -The breathtaking scenery I experienced after paddle boarding with my puppy this afternoon. We ran into some duck hunters, chased some birds, and let the crisp air refine our souls after paddling through this glass-like water.

January 2018 -Going to the beach by myself on New Years Day while it was 30 degrees and windy, I had the whole shoreline to myself. Spending time in wide open spaces is such an important and grounding experience.

It's important to be proud of yourself for how far you've come and what all you've come through. As you go into this fresh new year, remember that life is meant for living and great reward comes from getting out there in it. "This is life: Drive it like you stole it."