Another New Chapter
Ah, 2017 crept up on me so fast, I barely saw it coming. Now that the year is over, I've spent time reflecting on all the highlights and moments that made this year what it was. It was truly an eye-opening year, with more highs than lows, new friendships, new opportunities, new relationships and new goals. 2016 for me was definitely the year of letting go, moving on and becoming better. I've learned so much about myself, more than I ever have actually. The previous year was personally one of the hardest and most emotional years of my life, so I promised myself that 2016 was going to be different. I promised myself I would start a brand new chapter and that I would live life positively, but also selfishly because it was time to finally put myself first. I can truly say that I kept my promise to myself. I've experienced so much in 2016 that I never planned for, but am truly grateful for. Everyone always says new year, new me, but I think as 2017 begins, I'm still the same person–just wiser.
2016 was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster and also a year of many milestones. I quit my job. I let go of toxic friendships and relationships that were no longer making me happy. I finally moved out. I got my first tattoo. I went to my first Coachella. I started freelancing again (for Buzzfeed!). I made new, lasting friendships with people that I am honestly so incredibly grateful to have in my life. I went through like, five different hair colors. I got to collaborate with Victoria's Secret PINK! I finally had my first all-girls trip to Vegas. I celebrated my 25th birthday with a beautiful picnic party and also in Cancun. I got interviewed as a "Girl Boss" to talk about fashion blogging and my graphic design career. I traveled to more states and countries in one year than I have in the past three. I saw four musicals. I dined at my first Michelin star restaurant! I visited numerous museums and exhibits, even in different countries. I got my first REAL Christmas tree. I met my boyfriend (on Tinder of all places). I fell in love.
In 2016 I stopped trying to plan my life. I've always been a natural planner, but in 2016 I decided to just trust my gut. Turning 25 was hard for me at first. When you're a kid, 25 seems so old. You make all these goals for yourself like owning a home, being married, driving your dream car, being successful...and then 25 comes along and you're wondering how you even dreamt up all those things because they all seem so far away. I learned if you just stop trying to control everything that happens in your life, life might just surprise you. That's exactly what last year did for me. It surprised me, but in the best way possible.
As this new year starts, I'm excited for what it will bring. 2016 was amazing, so I can only imagine what 2017 will be like. I'm completely ready for a new chapter.