Dear 2019

Dear 2019, I’m so ready for you. I’ve been looking forward to you for quite some time and I’m very glad you’re finally here. As of recently, I feel like I’m starting to pull my head out of the dark cloud that’s been looming over my head throughout the last two years. And I’m more than ready for the next chapter. 2017 and 2018 felt like years where everything burned down and it truly felt like I was moving backwards at times, but I know you’re going to be a year of evolution, expansion, and re-birth. I can feel it.

It was beautiful timing finishing my Remote Year program at the end of 2018, ready to start the next chapter of my life off on the right foot, and it coincides perfectly with the start of a new calendar year. I know this sounds silly, but I keep thinking of a Phoenix when I think of starting 2019. I’m not usually one for the “new year, new me” mentality, but I’ve put in a lot of work over the last two years and I’m ready for this next version.

There are parts of me that are almost a little anxious for what’s to come this year, as there are a lot of unknowns, but I’m learning to embrace it. This will be a year of re-building, and there won’t be time for playing small. I’m feeling re-energized and excited to re-focus on my blog, as well as a few other projects I’ve been talking about for a while. I know I’m going to have my nose to the grindstone this year, but I’m excited for the challenge and know it will be worth it in the end. I’ll give this year my absolute best, but at the same time, I’ll make sure I don’t forget that there’s a lot to life besides just work.

I’ve got some travel planned for friends’ weddings and bachelorette parties, but I probably won’t do much “just for fun” travel beyond that. I’ve been fortunate enough to go a lot of places over the last few years, and through that I’ve learned there’s no better feeling than coming home. And at least right now, home is what I want to nurture this year.

I will continue to trust the timing of my own life, and try to remember to trust the process of it all at the same time. I truly can’t believe I’m going to turn 30 this year. I’m not where I “thought I’d be,” that’s for sure. But instead of getting down on myself about that, I’m remembering what I know deep down — I’m exactly where I need to be.

I hope to continue on the paths of personal growth that I’ve been committed to over the last two years, and I promise to take care of myself the very best ways I know how. Exercise, eating right, and meditation are all at the top of that list.

I know it won’t all be easy. I’m sure there will be discomfort alongside the expansion. But I’m here for it.

Let’s do this, 2019.