THANK YOU 2019

This is the last blog post for 2019 and I just went back to look at where I was a year ago and it’s amazing how much can happen within 365 days. Looking back at what this year has brought me, I must say it’s been an overall great year! I turned 27 this year and it’s my golden year, which means I turned my age on my birthday date (January 27). I didn’t know whether or not that actually meant it would be my best year, but I had hope and faith that it would be. If I can summarize or describe 2019 in one word, I think it would be flexible.

I know flexible might be a vague and almost confusing adjective, but what I mean by it, is that I am grateful for all the flexibility it has brought me in all aspects of my life. I am applying the word to the concept of time because I became more aware and flexible of how I utilized my time, who I decided to spend time with, what I did with my time, where and when I decided to spend my time and most importantly why I allowed for all those things to take up my daily schedule. If it weren’t for my flexibility, I don’t think I would’ve been able to experience all the amazing opportunities that 2019 has brought me.

*BB DAKOTA DRESS | MARCO SALVATORE GRIMALDI PHOTOGRAPHY

On the note of amazing opportunities, I wanted to acknowledge my greatest 3 achievements and highlights of the year.

1. The City Confessions: I have been playing with the idea of starting a podcast for a while and it was during this time last year when I decided to just go for it. I have been consistent with my uploads and this podcast has changed me as a person in more ways that I could ever expect. I have met amazing people through it, sparked interesting and in depth conversations and have learned to be a better public speaker, host, interviewer and listener. I am the the type of person that usually has a lot of projects and ideas brewing in my head but this is one that I am happy to have birthed and I am looking forward to continuing this for 2020.

2. Travel the world: I think this year might be the year that I have travelled the most. I am extremely grateful for all the destinations I have visited including Iceland, Doha, Antigua, Singapore, Thailand, Quebec, Rotterdam, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Aruba, Morocco and even to domestic locations including Rhode Island, New Orleans and Los Angeles. I remember putting this specific intention into the universe (of wanting to travel more and to partner with travel agencies) and it has been a year of manifesting all of it into reality! Travel is something that I will always prioritize and it’s a value that I will also take into the new year! I am actually already in the midst of making some travel plans for the first quarter of 2020 🙂

3. Move into my apartment: I moved into my Brooklyn apartment on July 1, 2019 and it was a huge moment in my life and a highlight of this year. It’s amazing how a new space can change you. I realized that my environment and surrounding plays a crucial part in who I am because it has the power to influence how I show up every morning. I am always happy to be home and I am always finding ways to improve on how I can make my home more zen and comfortable. Our homes and space should be sacred and I’m realizing more that we should always protect our homes and protect our energy.

I of course have other accomplishments year too but I think those are the overarching ones that touches on personal, professional and social aspects of my life. Following my last year’s 2018 post, I have reflected on the lessons that 2019 has taught me and here are my main takeaways:

TOP 10 LESSONS FROM 2019:

1. Even if you are scared, just go for it.

2. You are never going to be this young ever again.

3. It’s okay if you don’t vibe with someone.

4. Be authentic.

5. Self worth and self love means more than social validation.

6. Vulnerability is powerful.

7. Go into every relationship not wanting anything from that person.

8. Your flaws are beautiful.

9. Be proud of the person in the mirror.

10. Trust the timing of your life.

I am reading each lesson and taking it in one by one because I know that they will come into play in 2020. Wrapping up a year is always bizarre because when we go through life, it all seems to blur into one path but being able to self-reflect and self-analyze helps to appreciate the milestones along the way. I am going to enjoy the last few days of 2019 and will start to take some time to come up with my main goals for the new year. I am wishing you all a beautiful and safe New Year and encourage you all to take some time of your day to thank 2019 for everything it has brought you!