As I lie here, dying on the couch, I think back on the amazing year that was 2013.  I saw so much this past year and learned so many things about myself and the things that give me joy. My life has gone in a direction that I never would have imagined.

This time last year, I was in Savannah Georgia, freezing and grumpy, trying to make something work that simply could not. I don’t find it odd in the least that 2013 came in with travel and went out the same way.  I have found that I am a wanderer by nature. That life, for me, is best when I am out of my comfort zone. I love the rush that comes from landing in an unfamiliar city, alone, and having nothing to rely on but myself.  The self confidence that is gained by traveling alone has been invaluable to me. I now know that I can handle any situation that I find myself in, regardless of how new or scary it may seem.

I have found that my life does not have to look like the lives of those around me. This was a hard lesson for me to learn, but an important one. This knowledge has given me the freedom to follow my bliss wherever it shall take me.

I traveled a lot this year, as most of you know. My travels took me to many places, but the most important was New York City. I now know where my place is and have the motivation to reach for the stars.

I saw a ton of live music as well. Travel and music seem to go hand in hand for me. The most influential band that I was introduced to this year was Black Taxi. They don’t know it, but their music has honestly changed my life. My relationship with those guys has given me the courage to dream the dreams that I was afraid to even admit to myself. I will be forever thankful.

I suppose this is enough for the first of hopefully many posts. Happy New Year, y’all!