As the year comes to an end, it is hard to put into words what this year has meant to me.
This year has been unlike anything I have ever done or could have seen myself doing, but here we are. Concluding my first full year of travel and excitedly booking my accommodations for another year.
I can remember packing up my items in Cincinnati, crying over selling the end tables I have had since my junior year in college. Not knowing if I was making the worst or best decision of my life.
Knowing what I know now, I would have gotten rid of the tables long ago if that meant being able to start this chapter of my life sooner. However, everything happens on the timeline that it does for a reason.
2023 has undoubtedly been one of the most mentally challenging but rewarding years I have lived thus far. I have stepped out of my comfort zone more times than I can count. I have challenged myself to try to experience things I wouldn’t have given two seconds of thought to in previous years.
I have lived. I have lost. I have learned. Most importantly, I have grown.
It’s hard to believe that it has only been a year. TBH…it feels like I have lived a LOT of life over the past 12 months, but this is what it must feel like to really live life. I think it is ingrained in everyone, especially women that life has to look a certain way. You have to hit certain milestones by a certain age. If you don’t, you aren’t living ‘right’. That’s simply not the case.
Your timeline and your story are just that. Yours.
Cincinnati, Ohio taught me that it’s okay to take a risk and move to a location you haven’t ever been to. Little did I know this first move years ago would be the building block for my travels moving forward. Without this first step, I do not think that the entirety of this year would have been possible.
Savannah, Georgia taught me to be patient and not throw in the towel the first minute something goes wrong. When I arrived at my first housing accommodation of the year, I was less than impressed. We spent the better part of the first day at my new place cleaning and organizing. I couldn’t have been more happy Marta was there to talk me off of the ledge of disappointment and backing out. My first houseguest was a lovely cockroach in the shower, what a warm welcome to southern living that was. Today, I am happy that I didn’t back out and continued on.
Mary Ester, Florida taught me that the life I am living, the life that we are all living, is not one to be taken for granted. Life is short and can be changed in an instant. Reminding me that if you are not feeling fulfilled by the life you are living, or the direction your life is leading you in, only you have the power to change that. Live a life worth living.
Chicago, Illinois taught me that a fast paced lifestyle might not always be the best. While it is important to feel accomplished and productive, don’t run yourself ragged. Life isn’t a rat race. I have grown a greater appreciation for slowing down and learning to just be. As fun as it is to be in the mix and keep yourself busy, it is equally important to recognize the benefits of slowing down. It is okay to validate your tiredness and rest, however that may be. The saying goes if you don’t rest when you need to, your body will eventually make you. It’s true.
Ludington, Michigan taught me that I am not alone. It is hard not to feel lonely, even in the places I have been. During this season of life, I am finding myself alone more often than not but I am taking this as an opportunity to figure out my likes, dislikes, passions, and what I want out of life. I have found that no matter how near or far I am, I will always have so many people around me that love and support me. How lucky am I?
Denver, Colorado taught me that not everyone has the same heart as me. You can do all of the right things, be an upstanding citizen and still have the cards not work in your favor. That’s okay. What made for a messy situation at the time will make for a really great story some day. How you react to negative situations will always be more important than the negative outcome. It’s okay to be sad and mad for a few days but you learn, you adjust, buy a club for your car and move on. Keep having the heart that you do, don’t let the world turn it cold.
Salt Lake City, Utah taught me to never judge a book by its cover. You never know exactly what some people, places or things might hold and if you base your decisions on the words and opinions of others then you will never have the opportunity to experience it for yourself. Usually, it turns out that the most unlikely of places and unexpected journeys have turned out to be some of my favorites. It’s okay to take a chance, even if it doesn’t go well!
I have been blessed enough to see things from the East Coast to the West Coast and everything in between. From an early spring morning in Savannah, Georgia to the first snowfall in Estes Park, Colorado. The wondrous hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park to the bag of seashells I spent the afternoon hunting for in Navarre Beach, Florida.
I have said it before and I will say it again. Out of everything I have been fortunate enough to see, the love and support from my family, friends and community has been my favorite. By far.
This is a topic that I don’t talk about often because I get overwhelmingly emotional. It has been so very cool to witness the outpouring of support that I feel daily. I have always felt loved but this year it has been incredible to watch my people continuously show up for me in ways I didn’t even know I needed them to.
It is such a blessing to be able to share these experiences with them.
2023, you have been an incredible year. A life-changing year. Thank you, for everything. Seriously.
2024, I cannot wait to see what you have in store. If it is anything like this year, then I am anxiously looking forward to it!
I am just getting started.
Happy New Year.
