When I began this year, I had no idea what would come of it. I knew I wanted to focus more on living with intention, but I never would have imagined where this goal would take me.
I’ve mentioned before that instead of setting a bunch of resolutions I probably won’t keep, at the beginning of each year, I instead choose a word or a phrase to follow for 365 days. This way, every single day has an opportunity for growth and change – not just the ones you remember to exercise or eat three servings of veggies daily.
A piece of wisdom I learned from a dear friend was attached almost accidentally with my intentional living focus.
Someday is not on a calendar.
If there is something you want to do, you must schedule it and then figure out how to make it possible. Whether it is a new job, an education, a relationship, buying a house, travel, or anything else, you must take action!
2018 began with a new job working for Pinterest. There was a ton of excitement, SO much to learn, tests, and a lot of work to do.
Last minute, I found out about my dad’s trip to Germany for work, and bought a ticket and invited myself 3 days in advance. I jumped on a plane, got dumped over text two minutes before takeoff (nothing like a 12 hour flight to a foreign country for thinking self-degradizing thoughts!) and started my Germany adventure. My dad has to work the whole time, so I made plans, figured out how to navigate by foot and on train, and enjoyed some of the most beautiful places.
Sometime around the 4th of July, I found a ticket to Italy for $250. I realized that if I were to keep my promise to myself and live with intention, I had to take a big risk. Italy had been calling my name for most of my life. (Queue Independence Day!)
My parents had always said I could travel as much as I’d like when I am married, because traveling as a single female all alone is too dangerous. I definitely agree that there are legitimate worries and things you need to be aware of constantly when traveling solo. So I did my research and decided I didn’t want to put my life on hold until I found a husband to be allowed to travel. I bought that ticket late that same day.
Did I mention it was a one way ticket??
I knew deep down that I needed to go, and that if I purchased that return flight for any specific date, the process of finding myself would have a deadline. I wanted to explore and discover who I really was without the clock ticking down in the recesses of my mind.
As October 16th approached, I did a ton of research to know what to pack, how to survive traveling alone, and what I wanted to do for accommodations.
To see a few of these refined lists and living situations, click through here:
8 Must-Haves for Long International Flights
Italy Airbnb
And then, I walked up to that airline security check, and started a new chapter of my life.
You can read more about my adventures here:
Verona
Ireland
Bali
This isn’t a post meant to brag or show off how cool I must be because I left my job at Pinterest to travel. I didn’t make a bunch of money and get rich to make this happen.
You can learn more about my budgeting and saving tips here:
Budgeting on a single income
Saving when you don’t make a ton of money
Traveling on a budget
The point I want to express is that I set my goal in 2018 for intentional living and not waiting around for permission to chase a dream (or ten) and I actually followed through.
For once in my life I didn’t let fear of the unknown rule my decisions or path. I went out there and faced the danger and risks and potential magic head on. And guess what?! I lived through all of it.
Not every day was easy. It was 95% the opposite every single day. It was one of the most challenging years I have lived so far. But equally, it was also one of the best years of my life. Why? Because I had courage. Because I didn’t accept no for an answer. I didn’t let others decide what my dreams should look like, or how big they were allowed to be.
2018 is the year I owned my life and made it unapologetically mine. I am living with intent. The glorious, the ugly, the challenging, the heartbreak, the pain, and the utter joy and elation. I owned every bit of it, and I’ve never been so proud of a year as this one. So 2019, the standards are high but now that I know what this feeling can do, I have great expectations for all of the coming years too.
I’d love to hear what you’ve done to own your life and make it exactly what you want it to be. Comment below and don’t forget to share with your friends!
XO Heath
For When Your Goals Are Too Big
A cute children’s book about making plans – Someday is Not a Day of the Week