Although we are already a week into 2014, it's time for some reflection in order to really start anew. This year had some of the highest highs and lowest lows of my life. There was new love, heartbreak, new homes, travel, death, and the final comfort of finding my niche here in Nashville. I've realized that trying to control the world around you never works and life, in short, just wants to be. In doing this, I've become more free-spirited, I try saying yes to more things, and I could spend my life arriving each day in a new city. I want to see all there is to see and meet everyone there is to meet. There is a certain glimmer of magic about going far away and coming back all changed. I want to live not just the length of my life, but the width of it as well. Some might say that living this way is foolish; to go from a Type-A planner, to someone who throws caution (and confetti) to the wind and sees what happens. But in that, I've found pure joy. Because which is worse? "To lead a life so boring that you're easily enchanted? Or a life so full of stimulus that you're easily bored?" I, for one, would rather be doing exciting things that make me happy to wake up every day and live the life I've always dreamed of. After all, there's something wonderful about mixing a little foolishness in with your serious plans. It's lovely to be silly at just the right moments.
The key to finding this place of contentment has definitely come out of a place of dark, overwhelming burdens. But haven't we all had those? We have all had that moment or series of events that make us see, for the sake of our sanity (and the friends around us that have to deal with it), that it's time to walk away from someone or something that no longer serves us or helps us to grow. All that is, is just a form of self respect and self preservation. People talk about it, but no one ever talks about how hard it is to actually do it, let alone follow through with it. You have to wake up daily and make the same decision to keep following through. But I'm here, as 2014 Ashley, to tell you, with a z-snap and all, that this year is a good time for letting go. This year is no place for bringing these people and things with you. The universe itself has no restrictions. We place restrictions on the universe with our expectations of things. And it's time to stop. So hello 2014, I welcome you with open arms and heart.
Last year was the first year I actually followed through with a resolution. So this year, I made 7...ya know, just in case I flake on six of them. If I learned one thing in my business classes, it's to create SMART goals. So, I encourage you to take part in these resolutions with me.
1. I'm writing a book. I've always talked about it. Why not? It's going to be called "Memoirs of a Cafe". You can follow it on twitter at @MemoirsOfACafe. It's going to be the funniest thing you'll ever read. Promise. If you have anything to contribute let me know...cause we all know, people are crazy. Especially those on Music Row.
2. Let it go. Just let it go. Out with the old Ash and in with the new. This also includes growing a spine and replacing the glitter and marshmallows that seem to be there instead. If you don't like being a doormat, get off the damn floor. Ya know?
3. Don't have expectations. For anything. Life. Love. Whatever. Stop expecting and you won't be disappointed. Also, stop settling, just because you're not expecting.
4. Travel. I vow to travel one place AT LEAST an hour away every month. Because...duh.
5. Write daily. Whether it's a nightly journal, or this blog, or songs...I wrote in a journal every single day last year. Let's keep it going. How cool will it be to look back at my life documented 50 years from now?! Cause lord knows I won't remember.
6. Pay it forward. Do nice things and don't talk about it after. No one like a bragger.
7. Be present. Learn about people. Listen. Look at the things around you. Put your screens away.
Here's to you, 2014. I have a feeling we are going to be friends. ❤️
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