My Year of Independence !
Tomorrow marks the last day of 2016 as tomorrow night we will be ringing in 2017. I can’t believe 2016 is pretty much over. Time truly does fly! This year has been a great year for me…I call it the year of Independence!
Throughout my life I have lived codependent or “sheltered” as some would describe it. Heck! This year marked the first time I ever went to the movies by myself. It has now become completely normal for me to go to the movies alone. I go at least twice a month. Throughout 2016, I recognized moments where I became more comfortable with my independent time, I did the things I wanted to do and were passionate about, and I became more self-sufficient.
Here are some of my favorite moments of 2016…some shown on the blog and some that are not…I hope you enjoy!
In January, I started taking Pilates and spin classes at a local studio. I loved it and couldn’t get enough of it. Every week I enrolled in one or two classes almost every day. Eventually one of the instructors noticed my dedication and how quickly I was improving and she suggested I become a certified instructor. Whah-lah in May I became a certified Pilates instructor at PureRyde Oxford. This experience not only reminded me to try new things but go that extra mile.
In March, instead of taking a spring break trip with friends, I traveled to Tampa, Florida with my mother for a “mother-daughter trip.” It was great to not do the norm and take a trip for myself. We both had an amazing time relaxing and soaking up the Florida sun.
May was the month of spontaneity and adventure. Studying abroad in Italy was the first time I traveled to Europe. Even though I traveled with classmates I didn’t know them outside of the classroom. Traveling to Italy allowed me to get to know my classmates on a more personal level and to connect with others I didn’t know at all. With the freedom we had on the trip, I was also able to do the things I wanted to do when I wanted to do them. I even stayed in Salerno a few days longer and caught up with my friends in Florence later. This adventure reminded me the importance and benefits of meeting new people, saying yes more often, and to never let my fear hinder me.
August marked the start of my senior year in college and I made it my mission to enjoy and embrace the present, to not yearn for the past, or over stress about the future. I have lived by this motto every day and it has been a wonderful time for me.
In October, I turned 21 and traveled to Newport Beach and Las Vegas to celebrate with one of my best friends. I planned and funded the entire trip and couldn’t be more excited that I was able to do that for myself. I proved to myself that I no longer need my mother to plan or fund my trips anymore and that I am one step closer to being completely self-sufficient (mom still helps with the bills. Haha!)
It’s been a great year and I’m excited to see what 2017 has in store for me. Thank you for reading!
With Love,
Danielle