I like to name my years. It's like a theme for the year. Maybe it's semantics, but it matters to me. Some years have been called; Exploration, Awakening, and Joy. This have been a personal practice for over a decade.

2017 was named my year of Yes. It was so powerful. I tried new things, got myself truly healthy for the first time both physically and emotionally, I upped my professional game and finally put plans in motion to make much longed for move to California.

Yes was the most fun! It was the best year full of energy and momentum. I was killing it! I love having a mission and a goal and doing all the things. It makes me feel important and like I am earning my keep.

Do you know what was the biggest and most mind-blowing lesson that year? In order to say yes, I had to learn to say no. As someone who battles with people pleasing, saying no can be hard for me. I don't want to let anyone down. I desire to be someone who brings lightness to others and to be helpful. I doubt my value in relationships, work, civic duty, etc... if I am not producing something.

They say that you can always tell what matters most to someone by looking at their bank account and their calendar. Money and time are the most valued of commodities and I would argue that the latter far outweighs the former. As I continue the good work of building a life I am proud of, this requires first building a foundation of intention. While Yes was so much fun and even a little reckless at times, setting intention is anything but reckless. Intention is methodical and requires quiet confidence. My year of Yes has come and gone and now I am in a new season. I named this year, Rooted. Rooted has been slower and very rich as I dig deep into work and relationships that are likely forever. Pushing through the hard things to establish steadiness and strength for the future.

Really both are necessary. Seasons of fast and furious and adventure and fun are equally as valuable to seasons that are deliberate and quiet- you simply have to be still enough to notice and that is where the good stuff is.