”Dear Me,

No matter how broke you are, no matter how busy life gets– travel.”

…

Almost a year ago while in California for a wedding, I typed this short reminder into my phone notepad. I was being goofy (that California sunshine seems to do that). But more than a goofy sentence on my phone, it was a mere reminder for myself mid-wedding season to remind myself to live. Summer is my favorite season. A season of smoky air and salty hair. A season of sand between the toes and beach volleyball games at sunset. It is driving and listening to that sweet summer sountrack (or playlist) and yes, wayyyy too much country music (but not enough in my opinion ;)).

I made it my mission to have better balance in 2014. To be spontaneous. To travel. To be more daring. To live. And live full.

So this past week I did just that. I booked a plane ticket. Merely hours before waking up to head off. With a few hours sleep and a couple bathing suits+shorts thrown into a carry on (SO proud of myself PS. I am getting WAY better at packing), I headed off to California for 5 day in the sun (aka 105 degree heat) with my family.

As I sat at my computer desk with my credit card in hand and flights selected, I thought to myself ”this is either going to be a really stupid decision or the best thing ever.”

But somewhere admidst the journey I realized that it doesn’t matter.

Living full is not achieved from having the biggest savings account. Or staying home because you could get ahead on your ”to do list”. Living full is not ”waiting” for the next season– to be single… to be married… to have kids… It is being thankful and enjoy the one you are in. And NOT feeling like you are limited because of it.

Living full is laughing. It is travelling and experienceing a life and new culture not possible while going through your daily routine. It is making memories all over the world. It is singing along to ”Frozen” under the stars poolside in the middle of the desert. And possibly knowing all the words. It is rolling the windows down and letting your hair blow everrrrywhere. It is one hour coffee dates that turn into day long adventures.  It is putting the type A and totally practical ”thinker” personality away, and well, DOING. Living. 

I am loving this season of travel; of adventure and exploring not only life, by myself.  Exploring and learning that I may be more daring than I ever let myself be. They say it’s not who you are that holds you back. It’s who you think you’re not. And well, that itself may be the only ”really stupid decision.”

So darling, be daring.

PS. HUGE thanks to Justine for the photo while in Santa Barbara… At the beach of course. :)