Who doesn’t love a fresh start? Whether it’s a new relationship, job, apartment or pair of jeans, fresh always feels… fresh. I have finally taken some time to visualize what I hope 2018 will look like, a year that should be as wonderful as Cardi B’s 2017.

Each birthday, I always channel my inner spirit animal that I want to embody for that year. I am currently in my Gloria Steinem year because I am trying to be more active in my feminism beliefs. The year prior was my RiRi year because I wanted to own my sexuality and feel flirty 24/7. My 23rd year was my MJ year and what a MJ year it was. When it comes to new calendar years, I try to create a mantra that I can turn to when I feel tired, frustrated or unmotivated about the year that lies ahead of me. This year, I am working towards Taking Up More Space.

Taking Up More Space means putting myself out there, raising my voice, turning some heads and making myself known. Growing up, girls are told to not take up space, to be small and quiet. Although I am neither small or quiet, I have noticed how adulthood can diminish your passion, energy and space. I have caught myself not taking risks or sharing my opinion because I am scared of being judged. Well, this year I am going to need a Manhattan penthouse for all the space I am planning on taking up.

Here are my goals for 2018. Let’s go get ‘em.
 
Listen and Listen More
I am pretty sure Vincent van Gogh was a better listener than me, and he only had one ear. My boyfriend calls me out on my poor skills at least once a week. Why am I such a terrible listener? I am so easily distracted by my surroundings and my phone that I struggle concentrating most of the time. Then, if the speaker is discussing a topic I have little interest in (i.e. sports, cats or Whole30) I totally zone out and daydream about Spain. This year, I am going to practice being present and see how listening can develop stronger relationships and create better work.
 
Less Selfies
Social media is so much fun, and I live for the mysteries of Kylie Jenner, but man do I need a break. After a while, it becomes boring and such a time suck. Like, instead of scrolling and looking at photos of strangers, I could be working on my podcast or reading War and Peace.
 
On The Radio
In college, I loved exploring my passion of radio and television. Since then, I am a busy bee in the PR world, but miss speaking and interacting with people via radio and video. This year, I am determined to go back to that happy place and create a fun podcast where I can discuss topics that real young women are talking about. I want my voice and stories to be heard. Please stay tuned to turn me on and up y’all.
 
Clean Eating + Sweating
Luckily, I love veggies and breaking a sweat, but I also adore chocolate and carbs. So, so many carbs. This year, I want to stay true to my body and what it needs – fresh air, movement, broccoli, yoga, kale, boxing, peace, sleep – and what it doesn’t need – shame, drugs, diets, comparison, expectations, pressure. Right now, I am all about dance classes and veggie tacos. By the end of the year, I might be about sleeping and milkshakes. As long as I feel energized, powerful and confident, I really don’t mind.
 
Attitude Is Everything
Why be a Rob Kardashian when you can be a Khloe Kardashian? I pride myself on being bright like a daisy, but it’s not easy. Some people are truly weeds in your garden, and it’s difficult to not let those weeds take over your beautiful garden. This year, I am learning to control my emotions and continuing to let my daisies grow.
 
Here’s to Taking Up More Space, making shit happen and smiling more. A lot more.

I vividly remember watching a random Oprah interview where she discussed the importance of our past. In flawless Oprah fashion, she shared her own famous quote, “You don’t know where you’re going, if you don’t know where you’ve been.” I still think about that moment, nodding my head in agreement with Oprah when I was just a kid. I had no idea what she meant, but nonetheless, her wisdom resonated with me.

By now some New Year’s resolutions are already forgotten or unsuccessful. And it’s only January 5th. I believe that setting goals to better ourselves is important at every time of the year, especially when you’re ready to go get those goals. In college, I would declare my goals at the start of each semester and loved that feeling of a fresh start. Most of my goals were to “stop dating losers”, “be a badass chick” or “get that internship in NYC”. I felt that each semester was a different theme with a different tone, vibe and mission to help me reach new opportunities.

Now that I am a “kinda adult”, I wish my career had semesters where you could really start fresh. But like Britney and Justin, those days are over. The start of each year is no longer a crisp September morning at the bus stop or a steamy August night at a “syllabus week” house party, it is now a cold January morning with a hangover.

My last year was fantastic #humblebrag. It took me to places and people, that I am now taking with me in the New Year. Before I can even really think about where I want to be in 2018, I still need to digest 2017 with a big ol’ cup of tea and some tissues, because this year was real.

Bermuda
I was so scared when I walked out of the teeny Bermuda airport all by myself. “What was I thinking?!” I frantically thought to myself. But I trusted my gut, head and heart. I explored the island on my own and took time to get back to the little island of ME. I woke up each morning excited about where I was going and returned to my bed each night dreaming about the next day. Although I never mastered the island’s bus schedule, I made friends, ate fruit off a tree, went to a mediation class and drank a beer by myself in a posh bar. I left feeling stronger than when I arrived, and happy that I made the rash decision to visit Bermuda solo.
 
Boston Marathon
My Dad ran the Boston Marathon this past year and it was such a moment for my family. It’s rare that your tribe gathers together for a joyous occasion that isn’t a wedding, birth or graduation. My whole family and a few dear friends came together to support my Dad and the thousands of superheroes as they prepared to dominate the epic race. I witnessed pure power, endurance, spirit, faith and yes, love unlike any other time in my life. My Dad showed me, yet again, that you can do anything you want. Even run the Boston Marathon at 66 years young.
 
Friendships
I ended this year with stronger relationships all around me. The bond that grew the most was my relationship with my exclusive boyfriend. Last January, we took our first photo together. Last July, we went on our first trip together. Last September, we went to our first wedding together. A few months ago, we celebrated our one-year anniversary. I feel our foundation is more solid with less cracks (i.e. “Where is this going?”, “Are we boyfriend and girlfriend?”, “Is this exclusive?”) than it was just a year ago. My friendships with others have also deepened and I can’t wait to experience the laughter and fun 2018 will bring to my inner circle.
 
Promotion
Yaaaaasssss, I finally earned (emphasis on earned) my promotion and it was an empowering, bad-ass feeling. It’s always fabulous to be recognized and to get that money, especially when you’ve been slaying daily.
 
Women’s March
I was a part of this past year’s herstoric Women’s March. I have been an active feminist since my freshman year at college, but this was unlike any other event or rally I have attended. Women – and men – joined together to stand against the bullshit that has been going on for way too long in this country. The moment reminded me to stand up for what I believe is right, no matter what.

Auntie B
My 2017 ended with a Guy. I am officially an auntie to the cutest and sweetest nephew, Guy Arthur Andres. I am so, so proud of my sister for bringing life into this world! I am most looking forward to every year I get to be Guy’s auntie.