Exactly one year ago today, I posted this quote on my Instagram:

“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re doing something.”

— Neil Gaiman

In pressing the “share” button in the right hand corner, I had no idea how much these words would speak into my life. I went into 2016 with hardly any expectations for what the year would hold, which believe it or not, is quite out of character for me. I tend to have high expectations of what life has to offer, only to be left with disappointment. However, in pressing that “share” button, I released the expectations I had and hoped for the best, trusting through faith.

This past year was not more or less difficult than any previous year. In it contained all of the components that most years carry. Certainly, there were peaks and valleys with each month that passed, but there was never a day that I was not challenged or changed, left with only the choice to live life each day as it came and went. As a result, I was left with a year’s worth of days that found its foundation in stimulating an inner peace and personal growth. I am more than thankful for all of the adventures and experiences I was blessed to have along the way:

I traveled to new places.

I crossed lines off of my bucket list.

I read a many new books, and re-read a few old favorites.

I learned new techniques, mastered mediums, received recognition within my professional art career.

I met new people, while strengthening relationships with old friends.

I woke up before the crack of dawn and watched the sunrise with my best friend.

I explored one of my favorite cities, San Francisco, in the pouring, cold rain.

I hiked along trails on the John Muir Trail and searched for a sight of waterfalls in Northern California.

I drove, what seemed like hours, in Point Reyes in search of tree tunnels.

I created new art that challenged and tested me every step of the way.

I felt the cold sea breeze and the taste of salt water from the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans.

I trekked through the breathtaking trails of Yosemite National Park.

I reflected in the midst of rock formations and felt as though I was standing on top of the world in Lake Tahoe.

I traversed to a hidden Vikingsholm Castle on the coast of Emerald Bay.

I walked a trail that borders the Connecticut River.

I ate my favorite ice cream with my favorite people in Oxford, Connecticut.

I spent the holidays in the happiest place on earth, Walt Disney World.

Furthermore, through the peaks and valleys, the hardships and the struggles, I lived my life. What I did not realize one year ago today was how much the quotation above would describe my experiences and adventures from this past year. There were plenty of mistakes, sure. Every day presented itself with an opportunity to try new things, learn new things, and most importantly, live.

It would be easy to shy away from the magnitude of all that life has due to fear. It takes strength and resilience to fight back and claim the life that is waiting for you. That life is calling out to you, patiently waiting for you to reach out your hand and grab it. Will you? With faith strengthened, I know I am ready for all that 2017 has to offer.