Dear 2012,

Dear 2012,

You will be forever remembered as one of the most eventful, challenging, transformative, and most of all, powerful years I've ever had in my entire 28 years of existence.

I can still remember the vivid details of a conversation I had with a girlfriend on 12.31.11. "Just you watch, 2012 is going to be huge. I feel it in me. This is going to be a different year, I just know it in my heart", is what I told my friend while anxiously waiting for the clock to strike 12:00am.

2012 was THE year that I really came into my own as a strong, young and powerful woman. The things I have been wanting to do...no longer remained fun conversation topics with friends but rather, very real gameplans that came into fruition before my very eyes - - as a result of me believing in myself, trusting the unknown future, and eliminating all sources that may pull me down from reaching the top.

I had no idea what I was capable of until this year. Until now.

To reflect:

January 3, 2012 - The day I started my travels. Departed Phoenix, AZ and arrived in Paris, France without a return ticket home. Although my luggage was delayed a few days while I was couchsurfing with a stranger - - I stayed strong and continued my journey forward.

February 2012 - Even after getting detained in Manchester, England for a few days and been denied access to the country, I devised a back up plan and made my way to Southeast Asia.

March 2012 - Returned to Europe and celebrated International Women's Day in the cold of Amsterdam, couchsurfing with a previous host that introduced Japanese Buddhism to me. Also explored the beauty of Barcelona, Spain before heading back to France. Found my passion in graphic/web design from blogging!

April 2012 - On April 5th, the love of my life arrived in Paris, France and we spent a whole week together split between Paris and Rome. We did so many wonderful things together - - placed a "love lock" on the Pont Neuf bridge, opera singer sang to us in front of the Eiffel tower, explored the historic sites of Rome, and overall, had the most magical time. Sigh.

May 2012 - Stayed in Paris, France and hung out with my mothers' old family friends - - sat in the local cafes overlooking the Seine while planning out my blog posts and drinking espresso. Also returned back to Phoenix, AZ and was warmly greeted by my beau with a huge poster sign!

June 2012 - Got an article published in Native Foreigner's site! Spent quality time with my boyfriend's little girl and started a beautiful relationship with her.

July 2012 - On the hunt for a full-time job and getting back into shape. Joined the gym - hoorah!

August 2012 - Scored a full-time position at an amazing school and started saving up! Contemplating if I should return to school for graphic or web design...hmmm....

September 2012- Had a beautiful birthday, still getting adjusted to working full-time again and saving up money.

October 2012- Catwoman as Halloween with my batman family (he was batman, Baby Girl was batgirl), and contined excelling at my current job.

November 2012- Started the Insanity program (in month 2 now!), and had a splendid Thanksgiving with loved ones.

December 2012- An epic Christmas with my parents and my own family at home, gave a puppy to my parents for Christmas and spread a lot of joy all around. First time doing professional photos for our family holiday cards! Bought a new laptop that is reliable and capable for school (my netbook from my travels is pretty much dead) and just on Sunday, purchased a new car!

So, in a nutshell, 2012, I love you, and thank you for everything. You've taught me that the saying 'Anything is possible' isn't bullshit and is, in fact, as true as can be. I've learned to overcome my fears and transform it into motivation. Gosh, I fell in love with soulmate, traveled around the world, found my passion, and now have a family of my own all in one year. Needless to say, 2012, I'll never forget you and am looking forward to taking all the wisdom I have gained from this past year and amplifying it to the next level for 2013.




Thank you Danielle, for providing the original inspiration for this post.