Goodbye & Good Riddance

Ahh, 2014. So glad you could make it, please come in. 

But, really—2013 was so NOT my year in so many ways. I spent much of the beginning of the year frustrated with my career and lacking motivation on the levels I needed it (luckily, a new-ish career path this fall has alleviated some of that frustration and stress). A lot of other little things built up over the last 12 months that made me long for a new year and a fresh start. Shortly after the beginning of the year, my grandpa took a turn for the worse and we lost him at the beginning of April. Thankfully, I was able to travel back and forth all of March and spend plenty of time with my family, but losing him and being far away from family was one of the hardest things I've ever gone through. Soon after that, I got very, very sick and spent much of my summer on and off antibiotics that left me irritable, lethargic and depressed. What I'd hoped would be an amazing summer turned into me going to work, then sleeping for 10 hours a night because I had no energy and no desire to do anything. I spent far less time traveling, relaxing, having fun and exploring my city last year than I ever hope happens again! The last few months I've felt happier (and ever so slowly, healthier) than I had in ages, and I'm hoping that trend continues. 

I'm sure 2014 and I will have our differences—these new years and I always do, but I am pretty determined to make sure I come out of this year with a positive outlook on my life, my career and everything in between. Although much of my travel will still be back to Iowa (thanks to my sister's impending nuptials), I want to travel around New York and the Northeast and explore it while I can! I've never planned on staying in NYC forever, and who knows where life will take me next (Paris, maybe? #daydreaming). So, 2014, here's to you, and to finding a happy, healthy balance for the next 12 months. 

xoxo

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