A Year in Review: 2017
Here we are again, the end of a year. It's that time when we look back at the last 365 days and remember what it was we did to fill those days, who we spent that time with, how we've grown. I can proudly say that this year I felt whole heartedly and overwhelmingly happy. Of course there were the bad days, the days that were rough where I just wanted to scream, but who doesn't have those days? At some point this year I must have found something or something in me must have clicked because this year was the first time in quite a while that I didn't feel completely lost and confused. I'm not quite sure what exactly changed or when I found it but I'm extremely grateful for whatever it was. I stopped stressing about where I was going and what the future held. I started to trust that what is supposed to happen will happen. I realized that if I keep moving forward in any capacity and keep trying new things that regardless of the outcome I've been successful. I decided that at the end of the day failure and success both bring about the same result-new opportunities to grow. I felt proud of the path I've chosen to explore.
It was defiantly a year I will never forget. Here's a little peak at how I spent the last year:
I jumped in the lake on January 1st. I will say, now that I surf the lake through the winter the polar plunge is a bit less exciting but it is a good way to cure a hangover.
I turned 21 in the company of all my people.
I went to Bali. I did some yoga, surfed, and met some super rad people. I'm almost positive going back to Bali will be my next adventure.
Went to Mexico with my people. We drank too much and ate too much crappy buffet food, but we all did it together so what more could you need? Plus I got to snorkel with sea turtles which basically made the trip for me.
Saw CHICAGO. Had a great little date night with my Aunt as my birthday gift.
Saw RENT. I think I was in middle school when I became obsessed with all the music from RENT. I always said that if RENT ever came back to Broadway and toured that I would do anything to see it. Well, opening night in Chicago Cinders and I got to see it, and it lived up to my expectations.
I spent my first summer not working at the beach. After five years it was quite a strange thing to not have my life revolve around the schedule of the beach.
Saw Jack Johnson in Chicago. Kellogs, Murrays, and my fam were all there and we all ditched our seats so we could stand together in the back and dance the whole show. I may or may not have gotten teary eyed when Jack told us all that the string lights they had as decoration were made from plastic that was collected from our oceans.
I helped DAC celebrate 20 years. It was a weekend of reminiscing. I could not be more thankful to have had a place like DAC to call home while growing up. I learned so much more than just how to dance and I am forever grateful for the family DAC has given me.
Went to Colorado with my family. We drove through Nebraska, which was much less exciting than Scott had hoped for. Did some hiking. Saw The Head and the Heart at the most beautiful venue. 10/10 recommend everyone sees a concert at Red Rocks, it is out of this world beautiful. Again my eyes may or may not have welled up when Josiah joined the band for Rivers and Roads. I guess I am just that person who cries at concerts, its fine, I'll own up to it.
Partied in my back yard with all my people, and then some, to Bullfrog. A little rain and a few visits from the cops did not stop us from throwing one hell of an end of summer bash.
Went to Europe with Christian and Braiden. 5 1/2 weeks, a backpack each, and countless memories. I could ramble on and on about this trip but I will refrain.
I got "This adventure is everything" tattooed on my foot while in Amsterdam. Some of Cindy's words from a letter she wrote me when I went to South Africa written in Scott's handwriting. A tattoo that will always hold lots of meaning to me.
Dressed up like a mermaid for Halloween. Went all out with the rhinestones and blue eyeshadow.
Spent a weekend in Chicago celebrating the marriage of two of my favorite people. A beautiful night spent celebrating Cam and Gil in one of the coolest venues I've seen. Thinking of that night still makes me smile ear to ear.
Went to the Keys for Thanksgiving, as is tradition.
Found a burst of creative inspiration. I suddenly became motivated to create and have channeled that energy into this blog and have picked up some paint brushes again.
I started going to yoga regularly.
I started a challenge to do 1000 burpees between December 1-25. I didn't finish the challenge, but it was fun while it lasted. Maybe I will revisit it in the new year.
Celebrated Christmas with friends, family and way too much food.
And that pretty much brings us to now. I'm so happy to say that throughout this year I spent my time laughing a lot, smiling a lot, spending tons of time with my people both new and old, and being really happy. I can only hope that I spend the new year in the same ways.