Happy almost 2018 guys! This past year has been such a journey for me, with many highs, and fortunately, very few lows. Nevertheless, I figured as we are coming to the end of the year, I should do a list of the things 2017 taught me. Without further ado, read on to hear my top 5 life lessons from this year…

1. You are enough.

You, right now, at this point in time, are enough. Let whatever you do today be enough. It’s important to create goals to better yourself, but don’t beat yourself up for not attaining them immediately. Which leads me to my next point…

2. Dreams do come true.

There have been quite a few highs this year. I achieved many goals I set for myself, both personal and professional, and it was such a gratifying feeling when I did. However, none of that came about without hustle. I stayed on my grind and kept focused, all while having to overcome some personal setbacks in order to make the progress that I did this year. So keep on keeping on and believe in yourself; you’ve got this!

3. Make memories!

This was truly my most memorable year yet. This June, I traveled to Maine with my family, where we explored the city of Portland, discovered great vegan restaurants and bakeries, as well as hiking some beautiful nature preserves. The following month, I set off on my great adventure to Honduras, where I became scuba certified, swam with exotic sea creatures in clear blue water, did research for PhD students, and met amazing new friends who I (hopefully) will visit in the coming year!

4. Every day is a fresh start.

Don’t be too hard on yourself. We all screw up. But every morning is a new beginning, a clean slate. The goal is to try to be better than the person you were yesterday.

5. Love ya self.

Don’t set yourself on fire to keep others warm. Instead, surround yourself with people who push you to be your best self. There’s a quote by the writer Alex Elle that says, “there will be moments in life when showing up for yourself will mean leaving behind the people who don’t.” This is something that I have found to be extremely true this year by being fearlessly authentic. So exhale the bullshit and take time to do what makes your soul happy. Be you. Do you. For you.

Here are some of my fave memories from this past year!

Wishing you a happy, fulfilling 2018! See you in the new year!

xo, Liv