I rang in 2019 in an exact opposite way from 2018. Last new years I donned a sequin skirt, had an ever flowing drink in my hand, and my best friend by my side as we danced the night away at multiple bars in Nashville. This year I was in my sleeping bag by 11pm under the beautiful stars of the Utah wilderness surrounded by troubled teens. Quite the stark contrast, but I couldn’t be more grateful.

2018 has been a year of many ups and downs. I finished up my final AmeriCorps term. I said goodbye to the magical West Virginian town in which I left a large piece of my heart. I got to spend a small bit of time with my family in Ohio before setting out on an epic solo cross country road trip before settling in Utah. At the tail end of the year I started a new job in wilderness therapy. Unaware of how that shift in life would go it has become something I am surprisingly passionate about. I have seen some of the most beautiful parts of the country. I have put in a lot of work on myself from practicing yoga weekly, running, and working on a solid meditation practice. I have unfortunately lost track of my writing goals, though it is something I want to continue to pursue even more this year. 2018 was the year of fighting my negative self talk. The year of finally choosing my own happiness above all else.

We are 5 days into this new year and I have no idea what to expect from 2019. I can’t wait for many more adventures. I can’t wait to work on myself. I can’t wait to explore the avenue of wilderness therapy. Though this year is just beginning I know it will be one of the best yet.

Hoping you all have the happiest new years.