Let A New Chapter Begin - Lessons and My 2018 Goal

New Years. The perfect time for new beginnings. For personal and professional goals. For soul-searching. For self-reflection. For a new chapter.

I have learned much during my year of 2017.

I have learned that fighting God’s plans only enables a “hurry up” and “wishing away life” mentality. That patience is key. That trust is everything. That acceptance in His perfect timing is the means to staying present and enjoying each of life’s moments for what they are - not what I want them to be. That letting go of things not meant for you is liberating. Revitalizing. Refreshing.

I have learned that sometimes, most of the time, you just need to laugh at yourself. That you are a perfectly imperfect human-being that is bound to make mistakes. To misunderstand. To be scared in times of uncertainty. I have learned that letting go of fears is freeing. That letting go of worries is invigorating. That letting go of the very things cluttering your headspace makes room for more important things. More rewarding things. More intriguing things.

I have learned that growth exponentially increases when you step outside of your comfort zone. That you need to trust your instincts. That you need to trust yourself when you are relying on yourself and yourself alone to make decisions. That you need to be confident in those decisions. That the first step you take is the most important step because it is the first one away from what you know; what you are comfortable with. That strength is built with each additional step you take.

I have learned that you can actually accomplish what you foresee as being un-accomplishable. That you should never underestimate your strength. Your talents. Your abilities. Your vision. Your drive. That you need to set dreams beyond the line of impossible. That working towards something bigger than the imaginable keeps life exciting, fun, challenging and rewarding. That setting your sights on something that is important to you should never be compromised by excuses. By road blocks. By the opinions of others. By defeat.

This year, I am setting one personal goal:

Enjoy life in the moment; in every single moment.

I will focus on letting go of nagging worries that take my mind away from the present moment when I am spending time with family, friends or adventuring. I will laugh more at myself; not take myself so seriously. I will cling to hope, faith and trust in the greater plan. I will embrace every moment that comes my way - good and bad - with respect and appreciation for the roles they will all play in the direction of my life as I look back on it at the end of 2018. I will do more of what I love. I will dream greater dreams. I will take more first steps in the direction away from my comfort zone in hopes that I may learn more, do more and create a better version of myself.

Take some time this New Year's Eve and Day to reflect on what you have learned. What your professional and personal goals are for the new year. What is holding you back. What motivates you. What gives you hope, fulfillment and meaning. What you need to let go of in order to make room for something new.

The New Year marks a new chapter… of more mountain climbing, blog post writing, wanderlust-ing, coffee drinking, moose searching and spontaneously photographing God's beautiful creations.

What do you want YOUR pages to be filled with?