A few aspirations for 2019

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The holidays have come and gone like they do, and like many I can’t help but to reflect on this last year, but also to look ahead. I struggle often with focusing on the past, worrying about the future and rarely live in the present. That is certainly what I want to change in 2019. Although I haven’t laid out specific resolutions, I do want to glance at the year as a whole, and set some aspirations for 2019. It can be overwhelming to look at all the changes we want to achieve, but I hope to ease into them. This year is going to look a lot different than the last and I am ready to compare less, be kind to myself, and work even harder toward my goals.

Aspirations for 2019: Inspire others (be intentional)!

The first quote in my 2019 planner is a good one from Jade Goodall:

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

That resonated with me. I want my blog, photos, and social media to be more of an inspiration than anything. I hope to share more travel stories that have meaning, improve in my writing skills and get where I want to be with photography. My good friend Nano from Travels with Nano simply states in her bio “here to inspire, not influence.” There is a lot of noise on social media nowadays and I want to contribute something meaningful when I add to it. I love to share – what to pack, where to get coffee, helpful city guides, and I wish for more of that this year with big or even small travels.

I have started working full time again this year, I am not living in Asia within close vicinity to so many amazing countries; but I want to inspire everyone to travel or explore new areas, even if it is in your very own city. You can be someone who works 5 days a week or a full time student and still have time to experience new towns, new coffee shops, and meet new people.

Aspirations for 2019: Less comparison

I often need to remind myself that comparison really is the thief of joy. Every year I am reminded how much I compare my life to others. With everyone’s highlight reel always a click away on our phone how can we not? Especially in the blogging world, I get lost trying to find my nitch, my voice – because I attempt to be like others. Hoping to find more of myself this year in the blogging community!

“We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same.” – Anne Frank

Aspirations for 2019: Embrace local travel

Moving from Japan to the US was a bit of an adjustment, but I now have the opportunity to explore an area of the country I am not too familiar with. I have been to Florida a good amount of times, but never explored beyond laying on the beach and escaping the cold. Cities like Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami have so much to offer and I am excited for local adventures! Florida of course has an abundance of wildlife. From islands to oceans to national parks – I want to see it all! Lastly, there are numerous day and weekend trips from Jacksonville I am excited for – Savannah, St. Augustine, and Atlanta to name a few.