When I started this blog, I told myself that I would give it a year and see how I felt. That year mark has arrived so it’s time to reflect and see what my next steps will be.

It’s been a crazy, and very full year. I had promised myself when I began, that I would say “yes” to life and try anything that came up and I did. I’ve had the opportunity to try so many things, and find new hobbies that have kept me active and excited for the arrival of every season- even winter, which before this last year I never thought I’d say.

In this last year I’ve…

Cross-country skied, fat biked, hiked, kayaked, gone backpacking, and of course regular camping.

Changed my diet/lifestyle and my workouts, achieving the results I had been hoping for, feeling better than ever.

Took my first real girls’ trip and had a blast.

Been broken by and rebuilt with love- not just from someone else, but more importantly from myself.

Took my solo vacation to my usual spot for the last time after ten years, realizing that it no longer suits me.

Asked all the hard questions in order to really understand who I am and what I’m really wanting from this life.

I look back and realize what an incredible journey this has been and how much my life has opened up just by saying “yes” (and sometimes finally allowing myself to say no). I’ve learned so much about myself in this past year, and admittedly it hasn’t always been easy. While the outcome has been tremendous, there were days where the road was mighty steep, and chock full of rocks I would have sworn would bring me down. I learned the hard way that there is no bigger opponent than yourself, and it’s a fight you never win. I couldn’t grow until I figured that out and accepted it.  And luckily, I know the journey isn’t over. There is so much more for me to learn and experience. So what are my next steps?

Well…

I’m one term away from graduating with my Masters in Psychology, and that cannot come soon enough. (I’m over it…seriously)

That achievement will be directly followed by a solo vacation in a new place, a summer of play, and finally relocating to a place more in alignment with the person I am. There is hope that the relocation will also find me back in the classroom- fingers crossed for that.

So other than that…the world is my oyster so who knows? I just know there’s no going back now. It’s upward and onward, leaving the past and the old crap behind for a fresh start. I can’t wait to see what life brings.

With that said, this will most likely be my last post unless I get a wild hair and just have to say something. I gave it the year and my heart just isn’t in it the way it was when I started, and I don’t really do things halfway (remember that all-or-nothing thing?). So that lets me know it’s time.

I truly appreciate all of you who have taken this journey with me. There is nothing but adventure on the horizon so I hope the one you’re on is bright and beautiful.

Remember, opportunities to really live will pass you by if you aren’t paying attention, so when they come asking for your participation- say “yes!”