New Year's Eve Reflection

As I sit in my little studio in Palermo (my home for the next few days) with my mom, I can’t help but reflect on the year fading behind us and wonder about the year ahead. In the midst of reflecting and pondering though, this year I also find myself feeling more present than ever. I am soaking up everything around me: the smell of pizza cooking in the kitchen, the sound of laughter and firecrackers coming from the streets, and the bright orange walls around me that make this place feel that much cozier. I am so full of gratitude for this opportunity. I never fathomed that I would be able to show my mom around Europe on a 3 week tour, take her to all my favorite spots and find new favorites along the way, bring her to her grandparents home town, and create memories that are sure to last a lifetime. 2017 has been quite the adventure for me, full of high highs and low lows. Three of my loved ones moved from this Earth to a better place in a short timespan this year, but with their passings each of them left me a gift. The gift of love, the gift of wonder, and the gift of exploration. Each person who was taken from me led a life full of joy, curiosity, and passion. It is because of their beautiful lives that I am pushed to truly live mine. I will forever be reminded that 2017 was a year of letting go. Not letting go of the love I have for them, but letting go of everything holding me back from living my best life. I let go of inhibitions (I moved to Spain and spoiler alert: I love it!). I let go of old heartache (hello lighter, brighter heart). I let go of what others thought of me and welcomed a happier, more honest me into the world. I live to soak up the beauty in each moment. So cheers my friends, cheers to every minute left in 2017. I hope you enjoy each one as much as I am. 2018 is going to ring in just on time, not a minute too soon nor too late. My advice: take the opportunity. Just do it. Say yes. Move to that country, take that job, say hi to that new person. Happy New Year’s Eve from Palermo! We’re off to the sounds of local music and a colorful show in the sky. Ciao!