Reflecting on 2016 brings up a flood of contrasting emotions on a personal level and global level. When I think about where I was a year ago, I was a bit confused about the direction of my life and wasn’t quite sure what 2016 had in store. What I didn’t expect was the rollercoaster ride it brought. To give 2016 some credit, however, it did provide some beautiful moments I will never forget (…you know, like getting engaged). And for the moments of confusion and sadness, there was also a seed planted for change, determination, compassion, and beauty. Stepping into this new year I’ve realized I’m more motivated and determined than ever. And I have never been more ready. This past year taught me a valuable lesson: life’s direction is not about pre-planned career success or expectations to be fulfilled, but rather open-mindedness, curiosity, and a constant movement towards the things we love and believe in.
So for 2017? I will be actively filling my days with the things I feel passionate about. I will be fighting for equality, exploring slow-living, prioritizing the things and people I love, and story-telling. As a people pleaser and perfectionist (a deadly combination), it means letting go of expectations and staying true and authentic to myself. This year is the year I marry my best-friend. And in the midst of planning our wedding, I’ve discovered the most beautiful aspects of this time is celebrating love; my love for Mike, our family, our friends, our lives, and all that radiates around us. And with that anchor, I am choosing this year to be the year that I run towards all of the things I love; to embrace them, celebrate them, nurture them, and fight for them. This year will bring challenges. Standing up for what you believe in can be scary. Taking leaps into new experiences, starting new ventures, reapproaching old ventures, and letting go can be scary. But you know what? It’s the year of looking fear in the face and saying, “Hey there! I see you. I understand you. Come sit next to me and let’s do this thing! Trust me, it’s worth it”.
For those of you who have been following me for a while, you will notice the change in my little corner of the internet and I hope that you enjoy this fresh start as much as I do. The modern greeks have a word that I have recently fallen in love with, meraki. It is often used to describe someone who is doing something with creativity, soul, and love; someone who puts themselves fully into what they’re doing. I feel like this word perfectly describes this shift. To be completely honest, by the end of 2016 I was feel a little meraki-less in my work. It wasn’t reflecting the lessons I was learning or the change in perspective I had for my life. It wasn’t reflecting me as an artist and that was no good, seeing as I started this little blog as a creative outlet. It was time for a change. So this change is my meraki. And although this meraki may be a tad scary, I’m welcoming it with open arms. Hey Meraki! I see you. I understand you. Let’s do this thing! It’s worth it.
