Let's Quit Our Jobs And Travel The World... I know someone who did!

This morning I write about my friend Steph, who I've known since we were roommates in college. Back then, she was a business student. She had 8am classes each morning (I never registered for ones that started before 10am), and would stay at the library all day studying until dinnertime, or even later. She had a savings account while most of us were racking up credit card debt. Needless to say, she was the logical, practical one.

A driven girl, she built a successful career in New York City. Always wanting more for herself, we had rich conversations about career paths, starting her own business, getting an MBA, family, and the best city to live in. One day she announced to our college roommates during a girls weekend at my house in Naples, "I'm quitting my job and traveling the world for six months." I think there are permanent divots on our pool deck where our jaws hit the floor.

Now, Steph's story is not mine to tell (she embarks on her adventure within the month!). But I wanted to share the beginnings of it because it inspires me. Steph told us that when she was hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with her sister last year, she realized one thing that's important to her is traveling and the experiences that come from it. She knew this was her time, and she needed to follow her heart.

I recently had to make a hard, life impacting decision. I was on the proverbial fence and could have gone either way. But when I dug deep to examine what is truly most important to me in my life right now, and understood how the decision would impact those things, I finally got to a place of clarity. I knew what I had to do, and it felt great to have the confidence in myself for making the right decision.

So here's to you Steph for figuring out what's important to you, and taking a bold step to bring more of that into your life. Cheers!

What's most important to you, and what one thing can you start doing today to give space to that which is important to you? Let me know in the comments section below!

Commitment & Vulnerability

I have made many commitments in my life recently. And what I've learned about commitment and goals is that I am more likely to complete them if I write them down, share them with others, and ask someone to hold me accountable. So here goes with step one:

1. I commit to challenging myself in different areas of my life to continue growing as a human being. 
2. I commit to writing. 
3. I commit to going to more live concerts. 
4. I commit to spending less time on my smart phone so I can spend more time reading books and about yoga and writing. 
5. I commit to being vulnerable. 

I haven't posted a blog in almost two years. Life got busy with the birth of my son Maverick who is now 14 months old. But I have been writing. The truth is, I've been keeping my writing to myself. I made up excuses like I'm not sure of the direction I want my blog to go in any more, or I need to rebrand myself and come up with a catchier theme, even purchase a new web site. However, when I dig deeper and get honest with myself, a lot of what's holding me back is that I have fear around what others will think of what I write. I'm concerned that if it's not perfect, in a pretty package, and with a clear, though-out direction, I shouldn't be putting it out there.  

I have learned that when I am vulnerable and share of myself authentically, I make real, deeper friendships, am more relatable, and inspire others. So it's time I drop the excuses and commit to being vulnerable again. Vulnerability aids me in making a life worth living.