THANK YOU 2018

*Outfit details with affiliate links: Sweater Dress (Zaful) | Knee High Boots (Stuart Weitzman)
Wow what an incredible year 2018 has been! I must say I was pleasantly surprised by all the great opportunities and experiences this year has brought me. If I can describe my year in one word, it would be transformative. I remembered setting one priority for myself early January and it was to simply PUT MYSELF FIRST. It was a year that I knew would be full of adventures and growth because not only was it my first year out of a long term relationship, but also a year that I wanted to dedicate to dating myself and becoming more in tune with my soul. I am happy to report that I did exactly what I set out to do and I am very proud of it.

I love taking these last few days to analyze all the amazing things that happened this year because if I’m going to be honest, this has definitely been one of the better years! Most of it had to do with my adoption of meditation, addiction to podcasts and self help books and of course, travel and soul searching. I can see a drastic difference in my mentality and emotional strength and I definitely did a 180 when it comes to my positive headspace. I wanted to go over my top eight highlights of 2018 as well as the top ten lessons I’ve learned.

*Outfit details with affiliate links: White Sweater (Zaful) | Plaid Skirt (Lulus) | Tights (Berkshire) | Knee High Boots (Stuart Weitzman) 

TOP EIGHT HIGHLIGHTS OF 2018:

1. Travel: I am so blessed to be able to travel as much as I did this year and this ranks as my top highlight because I visited the following places with amazing people:

   – Vegas
   – Milan
   – Miami
   – Hong Kong
   – Japan
   – London
   – Iceland
   – Paris
   – Portugal
   – Korea
   – Belize

   Each destination holds a special place in my heart and my love for travel has increased more than ever before. I am excited to continue my travels in 2019.

2.  Witnessing my best friend’s wedding: This was my first time being in a wedding and I guess it shows how old I am getting, but I was lucky and privileged to be in one of my best friend’s wedding this year. It was truly an amazing experience and I’m so glad to share this special moment in her life. (I love you Sunnya!)
3. Meeting amazing people: I have met some amazing people this year and I never thought I could get close to girls especially at my age but I am so lucky I did! Most of them are through events, Instagram and travels and I just feel so blessed to surround myself with positive, uplifting people.
4. Growing closer with my family: I think as we age, we tend to value family more and I know for a fact that I have strengthened my relationships with my family. Even though it’s sad that my grandpa passed away this year, I do think his death brought my family closer as we reminisced and mourned together. It was also the first death I’ve experienced, but I know he is still with me today and that truly makes me feel less empty without him.
5. Had my first press international trip: I was always secretly jealous of influencers who were able to experience these amazing press trips with brands and I finally was able to experience one myself! I am eternally grateful for AmorePacific for sending me to South Korea because it was truly a life changing experience. I have never felt more close to a brand than I do with AmorePacific and the team is truly a dream.
6. Found my passion: I knew I had a passion for travel, social media and blogging, but I found a bigger passion this year and that’s to leave a positive impact in the world. I no longer want to categorize myself as just a blogger, but I have found a passion bigger than the social media platform. (Stay tuned as I will reveal my secret project shortly!)
7. Taking risks and conquering fears: I absolutely love getting out of my comfort zone because that’s the only time I feel like I am actually growing. I’ve taken a lot of risks this year including attending events despite my social anxiety, going snorkeling in Belize, putting myself out there in the dating world, public speaking in panels, and most importantly, saying yes to situations I otherwise wouldn’t due to fear.
8. Loving myself: I entered 2018 not knowing what to expect but I am leaving 2018 with a huge sense of confidence in who I am and who I want to be. I also have never felt more confident in my skin and body as I do now and it’s truly an amazing feeling.

*Dress is from Simply Dresses
TOP TEN LESSONS OF 2018:

1. Invest in yourself.
2. Your no is just as important and valid as your yes.
3. Never depend your happiness on anybody else, but yourself.
4. You are who you surround yourself with.
5. The information you consume on a daily basis (news, entertainment, energy, etc) all have a direct impact and influence with your values, mindset and perspective, so be selective with it.
6. Trust your gut. Always.
7. If it doesn’t make you happy, let it go.
8. Perspective is everything.
9. Practice gratitude and abundance on a daily basis.
10. Trust the universe.

I am ready for 2019 because I believe it’s going to be without a doubt, my best year yet! I am also having my golden birthday this year so I do believe that I am going to find a lot of success and luck this year. I also think that setting intentions out in the universe is the best way to make them a reality. We should never hope or assume that a year is going to be bad because you have to start with a positive mindset when it comes to anything and everything.

I AM SO READY FOR THE NEW YEAR SO 2019 BRING IT ON!!