As we enter into 2015, I have begun to reminisce about this last year and how amazing it was. 2014 began with a lot of change for me, as Ryan and I moved out of the apartment we had called home for 2 years, quit the jobs we had worked for 2 years and had become quite comfortable in, said goodbye to our friends and family and caught a flight to Bogota, Colombia. We left behind our “normal” lives in search of something different, and in hopes of finding something more from life.
The 6 months that I spent in South America was truly life changing, as I shifted my view on life and was able to clearly see that I am the only person who can and will decide how I will live my life and what will make me happy. While in South America, I saw some of the most beautiful things this world has to offer, including Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, Iguazu Falls in Argentina/ Brazil, San Pedro de Atacama desert in Chile, and Patagonia in southern Argentina & Chile. I danced the night away at Carnival in Rio, I fell completely in love with Medellin in Colombia, I watched tango in Buenos Aires, I turned 25 in the Galapagos Islands, I climbed Machu Picchu for a second time, and fed manatees in the middle of the Peruvian jungle. Together, Ryan and I laughed, cried, argued, got sick, felt frustrated… and slowly but surely began to discover who we really are.
As I reflect on the last year, I am clearly able to see how my trip to South America was so much more than a want to see the world; it was a need for the time and freedom to discover myself. On top of exploring various corners of this wondrous world, I spent my days peeling away the layers of who I am, removing layer upon layer of identity that I had created for myself over the years, in search of what lay deep within. Returning from South America, Ryan and I made a bold decision to move to Canmore and take jobs with little responsibility and little pay, in hopes of being able to have the time and energy outside of work to pursue the things we had both discovered we were truly passionate about. Six months later, my bank account may not be brimming, but my days are filled with authenticity, laughter, and the joy of being alive, and my mind is filled with dreams and plans for the future.
As we move into a new year, I can’t help but think about how amazing 2014 was and wonder if 2015 can possibly be any better. Deep down, I know that it is up to me to make 2015 another incredible year, and although there are many things outside of my control, I can choose how I want to live my life each and every day. So… what do I want to do in 2015? Where do I want to go? Where will I go? Who will I meet? What will I do? Where will I be this time next year? My curiosity gets the best of me, and I am left wondering what the next year has in store for me. And, as the earth moves forward to make its way around the sun yet again, I move forward with my hopes, dreams, and ambitions for the year ahead. Here’s to 2015 and a happy new year!
I loved reading this, very uplifting. I can’t wait to see what 2015 has in store for you too:)