Looking Back to Look Forward

Happy New Year! Although the new year started on Friday, it isn’t until the Monday after Jan 1, when everything goes back to a more ‘normal’ schedule, that I really feel the new year has begun. So happy Monday and hope you’re having a great start to 2016!

I usually go into the new year focused on a set of resolutions, both spiritual and project/task driven. This year, however, I spent more time reflecting on the past year: the ups, downs and everything in between. Although there were many, many types of moments in my 2015, the highlights are what I will carry into the new year, to inspire and push me forward.

The above photo collage shows my #2015bestnine(according to the number of likes) on instagram. Four of those pics were taken during Paris Fashion Week(PFW) in early October. A short trip, but definitely one I will always hold dear to my heart as it was my first time attending shows for PFW for this blog. It was truly magical and inspiring!

Another highlight was vacationing with my family in Paris and the French Riviera this past summer. It was a first visit for my girls, and sharing it with them as well as seeing it all through their eyes was a gift in itself! This trip reminds me to take time to live in the moment (something I struggle with everyday!).

Last but not least, I got LASIK surgery and corrected my vision in August. I know this procedure has been around for awhile and thousands have already done it, but that still doesn’t make it less than a miracle for me. Having worn glasses, then contacts since age 7, I still can’t believe I can ‘see’ without corrective lenses. Amazing. Of course LASIK is surgery and should not be taken lightly. I found the recovery to take longer than I expected, and it’s important to take your time and do your research when choosing the ophthalmologist who will perform the procedure, especially since not everyone is actually a good candidate for it. Full disclosure: I was scared out of my mind in the days before the surgery, and almost backed out a couple of times. It is a vital organ afterall…

LASIK has changed my life in so many ways. Here are just a few of them:
– My morning and night routine is simpler and faster. And the older I get the longer the routine gets, so anything that shortens it is a blessing!
– I can go swimming without feeling(and getting) lost and blind.
– Travel is lighter and more stress-free without all those extra solution bottles and contacts for ‘just in case’.
– I no longer panic when I get an eyelash, etc. in my eye, because when it gets under your contact, you may be incapacitated…
And the list goes on… It is for all of the ways that I am grateful and have renewed belief in hope, a little faith, and some planning :).

So here’s to a shiny new year in 2016 filled with hope, inspiration and growth!

 Have a great week!