One year ago I quit my job and have never looked back. But today, I’m looking back. Not missing what was, but grateful for what is. All that has happened over the last year. In some ways it was one of the most difficult years of my life, yet in other ways it has been the absolute best. It’s been a year of freedom. Freedom in creating what I love and sharing product knowledge, art history, and of course travel guides. Freedom to not only be myself but also to encourage others to do so as well. Freedom to move and find my own rhythm in Nashville. It’s been a year of friendship. Finding out just how wonderful my friends are. Breakfast dates and girls nights where we can laugh and cry and talk about life. A year of unexpected friendships from Wear to Wander. Friendships that now span the globe that have cultivated an even great love for other cultures and practices. It’s been a year of faith. Trusting that once things settled it’d be okay. Trusting that the heartache I experienced last year would lead me to the happiest place I’ve ever been. I remember my best friend saying just you wait, the best things are just around the corner. One year from now- I don’t know fully where I’ll be but it’s my mission to be just as grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to do what I love. Grateful for the friendships and family who have carried me when I felt lost. Grateful for the friendships found in the least expected places (thank you, @Instagram. Seriously!). If you have a few moments to spare, look back but only so you can also look forward to what is ahead. What are you grateful for this year? I hope you too can look around to see the silver linings in the rain clouds. I hope all that rain leads to plenty of flowers for you, as well. LTKxMadewell LTKCon LTKGiftGuide