Greet 2016 with a growth spurt
Most of us live our lives at lightening speed. Some of us are always craving more. We don’t even realize our discontent. Our desire to keep moving, pushing, exceeding is innocent. We can’t help but think about what we should be doing or what’s next, but that means we’re rarely ever just truly present.
The list is really about gratitude and reminding myself that the best things come around unexpectedly. Life unfolds as you live it, not as you plan it. Here’s a look back full of thankfulness to all my favorite moments that just… unfolded. In no particular order, here we go.
I went to London for the first time, but only for 48 hours. It was an unexpected perk of just saying yes and making the most of a taxi tour. This was the beginning of a 2015 20+ city tour.
Staying at The Beverly Hilton during a star-studded event was pretty cool. Earning the recognition of #1 brand tweet of music’s biggest night was rad, too. Pharrell just happened to perform in a bellhop costume — an hotelier’s social media dream. The team had some fun with it, and we ended up nabbing tons of press. Ironically, I had a chat with Josh Martin from Arby’s earlier in the day.
Long story, but I also FaceTimed with Logan Paul after The Grammys.
Never ever again will I ride the High Roller at The Linq. Ever. I think I’ve actually circled the world on that thing.
I became one of those people that retired clubs. I never thought I’d see the day, but here’s my farewell tribute to my last night out at Light. RIP clubbin’ Mere. (I mean it, Kara!)
My grandparents bought a cozy cabin in northeast AZ. It became a weekend refuge for the heartbroken, the overwhelmed and the adventurous.
I went to Hawaii with one of my best friends. We did everything from manta ray diving to helicopter rides and hiking. Meanwhile I was so sick the entire time. I didn’t let the bug I had slow me down. We found out later I went manta ray diving with a pretty nasty ear infection on top of some other lovely viruses. Although I kept trying to make the most out of my trip, I learned the valuable lesson of ensuring rest. I had been traveling nonstop for almost 5 months before leaving. The minute I put everything else aside, it was like my body high-fived me and then said we’re done for a while. Side note: I also had a bit of a black eye in Hawaii. The day before we left I hit my eye on the corner of a table. Hot mess express.
A few days before we left for Hawaii, a friend and I were attacked in a DTLV parking lot. We were chatting in the car and a man swung a metal rod through the back windshield and scared the livin’ daylights out of us. We make light of it now, but it’s the first time I’ve ever had someone intentionally want to hurt me or someone close to me. Detectives showed us the tape of the incident and it was so eerie watching someone plot to hurt you. [insert emoji prayer hands]
On a happier car note, I went to Barrett Jackson with my grandpa, who has restored some old classics, himself. Fun fact: I love cars.
I got myself a speedy little car as well. I celebrate by never — ever — driving the speed limit. I’ve never claimed to be the best driver, but I do claim to be a wannabe race car driver. The only difference between me and the Andretti’s is that I haven’t won any races and there’s usually a passenger who has their eyes closed.
Last memory on cars — you’re soooooo welcome, City of Las Vegas, for all the donations you received from me this past year. Just so you know — I received that notice of delinquency here in KCMO.
So much of this past year was spent on a hike. Hiking brings me joy. It makes me feel productive, appreciative and always puts things into perspective for me.
Over Easter we went to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. It’s one of the most stunning places in the country. I was completely taken aback by the beauty surrounding me. Places so grand and beautiful ground you.
Some girlfriends and I also spent Memorial Day Weekend in Tahoe. It instantly became one of my favorite places. We rented the cutest cabin off AirBnb and biked all of north Tahoe.
My best hikes are timed perfectly with the sunset. Sunset vino is one of my favorite hobbies. Grab your BFFL and a backpack filled with all the makings of a charcuterie plate and Bose portable speaker. Many of my favorite moments of 2015 were spent sipping wine and watching the sun go down over a spectacular view and comfy conversations.
I took a trip with my pal to Destin. We literally did nothing for four days — and it was perfect. The timing was perfect. Everything.was.perfect. Traveling with my best friends was one of the grandest highlights of the year.
Six months later I now know that leaving behind Digital Royalty was the best thing that could’ve happened to me. Has it been difficult to say goodbye to work I liked in a city I loved? Absolutely. Digital Royalty was a career catapult for me (two promotions in a year!), but in its closure it forced me to learn some very valuable personal lessons. For that alone, I feel privileged to have experienced the success and the conclusion.
In that time, I also planned and facilitated my first training sessions for one of the largest hospitality brands in the world. I went through a nine-month leadership academy that undoubtedly helped me become a more effective leader. I also learned the importance of being incredibly honest with your own heart — deceit is paralyzing. I had the privilege of leading a big team of incredible people. They challenged me more than they’ll ever know and gave me so much joy in seeing their progress as well as my own. Being a leader was far more challenging than the actual work I was doing. For those lessons I am forever grateful.
With every move, comes a mandatory road trip with my dad. We took a week to get to Kansas City and took some picturesque pit stops between. First Moab — one of my favorite places on the planet.
I moved to KC — holy cats. Yes, that actually happened. Still happening. Still adjusting. Surprisingly enjoy being back in the Midwest. Surprisingly more difficult to move to a city where you don’t know a soul.
Shortly thereafter I also got to experience a World Series win as a local. SO COOL! I can’t think of a better way to have your new city welcome you. Nate Ludens couldn’t be prouder.
Then I spent nine days in Ft. Myers and Sanibel Island for work. I spent my time with some of country’s most famous songwriters. Not a bad gig for only a couple weeks on the job.
I’ve spent the last 4 months since moving going through my biggest growth spurt to date. I’m learning more about myself than I have in a long while. If that isn’t the best way to end one year and start another, I don’t know what is. Life is good when you know you’re growing to be a better you than ever.
Hello, 2016. Let’s grow forward!