2018: Beyond Maps & Stamps

What a year 2018 was, on and off the blog. From traveling to remote places, to moving, to being inspired in Rwanda, a lot has happened in the last 365 days. I started this recap last year and it’s something I’ll continue to do going forward. So here’s the 2018 recap:

On Travel

I shared my travel goals for 2018 here. While I went to fewer countries in 2018 (11 countries) than 2017 (25 countries), I actually spent more time traveling in 2018. This just highlights the futility in comparison, doesn’t it? I started off the year in Nigeria, and then travelled to Switzerland, Cape Verde, USA, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Rwanda, Kenya, and Chile. I wrapped up the year soaking up some sun and reflecting in Jamaica.

Come to think of it, Switzerland was the only non solo trip I took this year. Kenya was country #50 for me and in the most popular post of the year, I shared lessons from my travels so far. I also enjoyed local adventures in the US and UK  spending time in Scotland’s Isle of Skye, Texas (USA), Chicago (USA), and Nashville (USA).

Like life, these travels were not without mishaps twists and turns, I shared about getting stuck in Maasai Mara, and almost missing out on a trip of a lifetime due to visa issues. If you’ve signed up for my newsletter you read about the most recent disappointment from less two weeks ago. Guess what? There are more that didn’t make it to the blog or newsletter!

Good and not-so-good, I really do love these adventures and I love the ‘aha’ moments I have on the road. I also love the moments where I’m overwhelmed with gratitude at a sunrise on my commute to work (this actually happened on December 18th).

I’m still here, I’m human and the disappointments sting but  they’re not forever and they can’t overshadow the good. I’m choosing to MOVE forward. Are you?

On Transitions

In April 2018, I packed all my belongings and returned to the US after spending 2.5 years in the UK. Uprooting one’s life is always a big shift and this time around, I set realistic expectations around my move and 7 months in, I’m good with where things are. I’ve been working with a coach and the process has forced me to assess things holistically and answer/ask some tough questions.

We tend to look at the rosy side of moving abroad and while that’s great (and I too often talk about the benefits), We should also pay attention to the parts that are challenging. As a result, I wrote a blog post on What To Expect When You Move Abroad, What to Expect When You Move to the UK, and How To Support A Friend Moving Abroad.

2018 felt like a year of transition for me, I am still ‘becoming’ and I have not arrived yet. To some extent we are always in a state of transition as we evolve but some seasons of transition are more pronounced than others. Have you ever been in transition? Please share your tips!

On Blogging

I’ve had a domain name for 2 years and been serious about blogging for a year and a half. Looking back at the content so far, I’m proud of the work that I’m doing and the quality of the content I’m sharing and I’m finding ways to balance this passion project with a demanding career. Looking back two years I see growth in how I write. That in itself is noteworthy.

I’m thankful for all of you that read and share my content. Can I ask you continue to do that this year? One day, I’ll write a feature for one of my favorite travel magazines. I did my first IG live with Kacheetee in December 2018 and I enjoyed it.  I was quite nervous about the whole thing but guess what? It was totally fine. I’ll also include more career-travel posts as the year unfolds. If there are topics you’d like for me to cover here, please let me know in the comments!

I’m excited to do more and collaborate with others this year.

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On Career

I’m still employed with the same firm so that made it a bit of an easier transition. However, it takes time to build trust, and get used to new team dynamics. So far feedback has been mostly positive but there’s also been constructive feedback too (because no one’s perfect, who are we kidding?). 2018 was also a year where I continued to dig deeper to find ways to better align my evolving professional aspirations. I expect more ‘digging’ in 2019.

I am excited about continuing to share my experiences working abroad /my journey aspiring to executive roles both within and outside of my firm. I’m excited to weave more of that aspect into the blog. In October, I was featured in a global campaign (for my firm) that reached over 100 countries where I shared my journey living and working with the firm in 4 continents. It was one of those ‘make mama and papa’ proud moments and I’m thankful.

I shared my story because it might make a difference to one person. In the end, I believe I am called to, and can make an impact far beyond myself and that’s the end goal.

How are you doing in your career and what moves are you looking to make this year?

On Family and Community

This year, I became an aunty for the second time. Being an aunt to two little girls is probably my favorite title. I got to meet my new niece and she’s quite the giggly delight. I’m excited to be part of the village that gets to mold them into the people the world needs. Kind, honest, gracious, full of faith and hope, spunky, sassy, and hopefully globetrotters, shoe lovers, and world changers in their respective lanes.

I’ve gotten to celebrate several joyful milestones with friends and family this year. I actually know a decent number of my new neighbors and I’m pretty proud of that! I’ve gotten involved with a non profit that’s perfectly aligned with my values, sometimes I feel unqualified when I sit in the room. In those moments I remember that I’m there for a reason and I tell the impostor syndrome ‘not today!’

On Creativity and Inspiration

Can I be honest in saying that I do not see myself as a creative person? You know, I’m good with numbers and details, can analyze the crap out of situations. But blogging and Instagram have stretched my ‘non-existent’ creative muscles. I plan to continue to stretch these muscles in 2019. What muscles do you need to stretch?

In my last newsletter of the year, I shared my plans for investing in myself this year. This includes career, financial, faith, in living, and with family/community.

What areas do you need to grow? What will you do to invest in yourself and show up for yourself this year?

Here’s to growth, clarity, to trying, to resting, to being disciplined, to being most courageous, to letting go of the idea of perfection, and to delightful life adventures in 2019! I’m thankful that we’re on this ride together.

Till next week,

Ms. Heels