Here we are, at the start of another year. If you're reading this, first off: thank you. You've joined me once again on this journey we're all making through life and I'm glad to have you along the way – whether that's just this one post or another one about traveling to Alaska (or somewhere else)...

Here we are, at the end of another year – it is astonishingly cliche to say it flew by, because it's actually a well-documented (though admittedly depressing) psychological phenomenon. 2022 was the first year since 2019 where life felt quite normal; Mr. V and I settled into our lives here in Cleveland, and I/we took several incredible trips that both helped me create better travel resources for work and enjoy the beauty of the world...

As we mark the beginning of a new year, I'm back to share the latest word I'll be focusing on for the coming 12 months. Will you share your word with me?

Here's looking back on 2021, a weird and wonderful year.

Well thank goodness that year is over, right? I mean, I’m not saying it was all bad. I know many of us had small and large joys and celebrations and successes (Mr. V and I got married in July!). But we also had a really crappy year for humankind, and have so much work left to do. Normally I’m excited to celebrate the New Year and set goals and such. This year, it seems even more important. So many people didn’t make it to this new year, or lost someone they love last year. Being here at the start of a new year is a gift, and I’m very grateful…

What. A. Year. When I sat down to start this year’s annual recap – something I do every year (here’s 2016, 2018, 2019) – I didn’t even know where to begin. I didn’t know if I wanted to begin. I can’t pretend that it wasn’t one of the most devastating years of my life – of our lives, as a species. It’s hard to look back on the year we’ve had, even when I’m trying to create a fair appraisal and highlight reel of my own year and the travels I’ve had. But I want to have this record because I will look back on 2020 in the future and try to…

Every year on New Year’s Day, Mr. V and I make our way to the coast, and go for a walk. We spend that time discussing our personal and professional goals – and this year we’ve added marriage goals to the list since we’ll be tying the knot in July 2020. I love using January 1st as a chance to look back on the year that has passed, and to reset my intentions and goals for the coming year. 2019 is officially over, and 2020 is off to its start. Heck, it’s the start of a new decade – that surely imbues the new year with extra meaning! What will…