Wow! I am having trouble coming up with the words!  My trip to Ireland was simply amazing.  I do not think it was from all of the beautiful sights or the wonderful food that I tasted.  I think stepping out of my comfort zone and doing something new made it exciting.  I think being able to disconnect from the phone, social media, people in general from time to time helps.  While I did not unplug as much as I wanted too, I did some.  I do not think people realize how hard it is to unplug until they actually try and do it.  Give it a try, it does put things in perspective.

               Hanging out with the locals, meeting new people and just listening to what people had to say made the trip worthwhile.  My favorite part on every tour we went on was learning about all the history.  Most importantly though, I had the time away to think and re-evaluate my goals, my passions, what I want in life, and what I want for Mattie.  While there was no ringing in the New Year, I welcome this New Year with a huge smile on my face!

              2017 was one of those years to remember and to cherish. It was a year where I felt accomplishment, many blessings, joys, along with heartache and disappointment. 2017 was a year where I took a chance and decided to step out of my comfort zone. It was a year where I learned that it is perfectly fine and acceptable to not know ALL of the answers. I learned to trust and have faith in a plan that is bigger than me. It was a year full of being able to spend time with the people who mean the most to me. 2017 was a year of learning and discovering my passions, and taking those passions and making something out of them despite how crazy they may seem.

                Most importantly, 2017 was a year of a tremendous amount of growth.  Growth in being able to look at yourself in the mirror and love the person looking back at you.  Growth in knowing that despite the past, you are right where you were supposed to be.  Growth in knowing that the future is bright and there is so much more out there for you.  Growth in learning to love here, and now, in the present.  2017 was a hell of a year and here is to 2018!

              I started 2018 off with a bang and am looking forward too many more new adventures. I’m going to take more chances and continue to step more and more out of that comfort zone. I’ll be taking extra time to cherish all of the little things. Honestly, they are the only things that matter. I’m going to follow my passions, even if it means going against the grain. My passions burn like a fire in my heart and given enough time I can explain why they matter to me. I’m going to laugh every day and multiple times a day.  Laughing is good for the soul. If you do not laugh, you definitely need to start.  Most importantly, one has to love.  Love as often as you can and as deep as possible.  And pray.  Pray hard and pray often.  Only the Big man upstairs knows what plans He has for me.  However, I am betting that it is something spectacular.

Smile-Laugh-Love.  We could all use a little more love.