I believe.... in the magic of 2020!

I can't believe it's almost 2020! So much has transpired in the past year, in the past decade. Yet, at the same time, it somehow seems as though such little time has passed. I guess the older we get the quicker time passes. As I look ahead to what I want for my future I know one thing for certain. Its been an amazing ride so far. As I contemplate my goals for 2020 I know that having a direction is an integral part of growth, as is the ability to learn from past mistakes. However, the ability to be present and grateful are of equal importance. 

My life sure does feel weird sometimes and as I sit here in Shanghai contemplating the past and dreaming of the future it is definitely one of those moments. I don't mean this as a bad thing, its a weirdness I am grateful for most of the time. I am grateful to have the opportunity to live in the fascinating city and spend time with my little brother. I am grateful for the friends I have made here who have made my time here special. I am even grateful for the solitude and the ability it has given me to get to know myself a little better and create a better relationship with myself. I am also grateful that my life is still so much fun sometimes. I remember when I was in my 20s and I thought I had to do everything fun before I was 30 because after that, the fun is over. What a laugh!

I am grateful for so much that has transpired in the past year. To list a few; living in Jaipur, India, Vipassana in Nepal, motorcycle trip in Northern India, moving to Shanghai in August, back to Nepal for my yoga and hiking trip, and all the friends I have made along the way. Being away from home can have its challenges and I am grateful for all the people who held my had through the struggles and laughed by my side.

In last month's blog I reflected on my recent yoga and hiking trip in Nepal. In that post I mentioned a mantra I had for this trip, "I believe". When I was flying from China to Nepal I had a moment of clarity about what is next. I'll wait until things are more solidified to share but although I know it will take hard work and grit it will most importantly take belief in myself. As I look ahead to what I want to manifest in 2020 I resolve to keep this mantra at the forefront of my mind. Self-limiting behaviors and negative self talk limit so many of us from achieving what we truly want. It’s scary to dream big. It’s easy to stay small. I understand this is part of the human condition but with the right intention we can break free from it. 

I'll never forget the day this photo with the yak was taken. The views were beyond beautiful and I was feeling such joy. I ran down the smooth paths and even up some of them. The harder my heart beat the more alive and joyful I felt. Then we saw this yak just hanging out at the edge of the mountain; so grounded and strong as is the nature of the yak. This energy became part of the day. Strength, joy, grounded essence and belief in myself. These components of the experience gelled in my soul. I know not every experience can be as joyful as that day but as I have written about before I don't necessarily think of joy as one type of experience. Yes, joy is laughter and amazing experiences, but joy is also peace. Peace can be experienced in the smallest of moments. A smile from a stranger, the barista knowing what I want (even if I am only one of a few foreigners who comes in), an origami lotus from a 7 year old student and simple messages that a friend is thinking of me. These simple moments can easily be found day to day. These simple moments are what ground me in joy, root me in my strength and remind be to believe that I can do anything I set my mind to. 

The picture below was take from Everest View Hotel and yes, thats Mt. Everest in the background. This is a great reminder that perseverance is key. I set my intention to return to Nepal when I left the first time in 2016. I didn't think it would take so long to get back but I'm so glad I stuck with it. The next trip is on the horizon! Stay tuned for details for my Himalayan adventure 2020! These mountains truly call to me, and I am listening. 

Have a safe and joyful New Year! I would love to hear from you on how you are going to make your dreams a reality in 2020!