On September 1, 2016, I left the city of dreams - and my hometown - New York, to soar to new heights (and places) to fulfill mine. California had been an aspiration of mine for quite some time. The warm weather, countless beaches, towering palm trees, breathtaking sunsets.. what I would do to not stare at a desktop picture of all of these things but, instead, be able to look out my window, walk down the street, or hop in my car and fully and physically immerse myself in this piece of "paradise." Ever since I threw my first client launch event in Los Angeles a few years ago, I was hooked and I knew that I would make the move there - whether short or long term - when I was ready and the time was "right."

Well, 365 days ago I had built up the confidence and courage to pack my bags and leave, without a plan, just a vision, to start the next chapter of my life 4,000 miles from my very comfortable world. A world that was full of my entire family, best friends, professional network, favorite restaurants, shops, bars, coffee shops, hair and salons (ladies, you know this is important), childhood memories, etc. Picking up and moving across the country was no easy task and, while excited for the new adventure, I'd be lying if I said you don't experience moments of doubt, hesitation and fear. You're leaving your life and all you've ever known for a destination that is completely unfamiliar - it is bound to happen! 

Over the past 12 months, I can proudly say that I have not only established myself independently in an entirely new and unfamiliar city, but I also endured monumental, life-changing *shared* moments with new and familiar faces. From creating my new ‘home’, to getting engaged to my best friend and love of my life, building my own business and launching my highly anticipated, creative side hustle, A Gold Lining, I have checked off so many #lifegoals. I’ve said this before, but there is great power behind setting, manifesting and believing in your intentions. You can accomplish anything that you set your mind and heart to, and if you follow these keys to success, I am confident that you can achieve a life filled with happiness, health and abundance.

1. You have believe - otherwise you won’t accomplish anything. If you don’t believe you’ll meet your soul mate, get that raise or dream job, or lose weight, then it’s over before you even start. I tend to think I can accomplish big things, but if you want to start small, begin with little goals. Just *start* someplace! 
2. See where you are going. If you don’t envision where you want to go, then how are you going to get from point A to point B?  The plan doesn’t have to be perfect, and it will often change, but you have to start by envisioning it.
3. Take action. You need to do what you set out to accomplish. Change how you see the world and thus how you change your life! 

When you let yourself believe that the impossible can actually be made possible, you empower yourself to discover all of the opportunities that are available to you. From there, you can begin honing your vision to make it conform even more closely to what you want for yourself. Just remember to be true to your core self and know that whatever your goals are, they are impermanent. Change is inevitable and recognizing that you have the ability to alter your vision or create a new one at any point will and should give you the confidence to move forward! 

Your journey to manifesting your goals can be one of self discovery and embracing new ideas that can completely and beautifully transform your life. What are you waiting for? There has never been a better time to take that first step in your destined direction! 

As for me, you can take the girl out of New York, but you can't take the New Yorker out of the girl. I will, and always will be, the proudest New Yorker. I am very happy to be living in sunny San Diego and I am excited to see what year two has in store! :)