Note: I wrote this on the plane from KC to San Diego on August 8 (my 32nd birthday).
What
a year! I'm on my way to San Diego where I started this year. I've
really come full circle and I'm looking at this as a fresh start. You
hear that the 30's are when you find yourself. I hit 30, then 31 and
didn't know what the hell I was doing. Now, I am excited and ready as
I know I am the only one that controls my happiness.
I
was looking back through photos of all I've done this past year. The
friends, the places, the random, crazy times. I've met new
friends, reconnected with old and kept those close who have always
been there for me. It was a year of highs and lows and one that I'm
glad I went through and glad it is over.
I
love a quotes and I've started collecting ones that really hit home
for me. I realized that lot of people are going through the same
emotions, fears and the more you talk about it the more connected you
feel.
One
quote I came across was “Go at least once a year to a place you
have never been.”
I
had to think about this one as once a year doesn't seem enough to me.
Maybe that is because I've always loved to travel and try new things.
So, I started to make a list of what I've done this year:
- Toured Sonoma wine country with my beautiful Aunt Marsha. Also, tried ceviche.
- Visited the John Deere headquarters in Iowa, where my brother and sister-in-law now work.
- New York City, even though I had been before, first time with some great friends from high school.
- Second tattoo, so I've been there before, but this one had a whole lot more meaning and I wasn't 19.
- Hawaii, where I knew no one in the group I was meeting there. Trip of a lifetime!
- NCAA tournament basketball game in Omaha with my KU friends Becky and Juliana. KU wins in the last minute!
- New car in 10 years – an Escape, think about it. :)
- Ran my first 5k with two fabulous friends Jennie and Audrey. Now I'm training for my first half marathon!
- Weston, MO for the lovely wineries and scenery with fantastic friends Danny, Becky, Lorena and Ann.
- Started my 200-hour registered yoga teacher training.
- First cousin's road trip to Branson and Eureka Springs with the wonderful Amy Arensdorf. And, went zip lining with my awesome Aunt Jana for her 50th birthday.
- And to top it off I'm taking my first surfing lessons Friday!
Okay,
so maybe I went a little overboard, but I was going through some
stuff and really if you think about it, I'm sure you do more than one
new thing a year. And if not, hopefully this will inspire you.
I
think it is fitting that this year started and ended in San Diego as
California is like my second home state. I have precious memories of
traveling here to see my aunt, uncle and cousins and now that one of
my best friends lives here, it is just another reason to come and
visit this great state. Who knows maybe one day I'll be living here,
teaching yoga and spending my time on the beach.
Those
friends I mentioned earlier who have always been there, well I just
have to call them out as I would not have gotten through this year
without them. Shari and Raegan, you've been my best friends since
college and I know we'll always be there for each other. Erin, you
keep it real and push me to be the best me. My mentors, Joy and
Tracy, you have taught me so much. And my Mom for all your love and support no
matter what.
Thanks to all my amazing friends and family. I'm one lucky girl!
Sometimes
others can put into words what you are feeling at that exact moment
and you just have to believe there is something out there helping
guide you through. Here are some of my favorite quotes from this past
year. If you like them too then “like” My Attitude-My Life-My
Rules on Facebook.
The title of this post is a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson.
