I DONT BELIEVE IN NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS! Or New Year’s for that matter. I prefer to stay present, but reflecting, soul-searching and asking tough questions is vital, especially if you actually want to get shit done.

At the end of 2013, I asked myself the usual questions: What were the biggest lessons? The greatest gifts? The toughest mistakes? Most importantly, how can I actually get it (more) right this year?! What simple changes can I make to cut out the fat and truly live the life of my dreams? No big deal, just a couple little questions.

Last year, I learned a lot of painful lessons but the biggest lesson I learned was do what you LOVE. It’s probably true that we all have this inherent intellectual knowledge that life is too short; last year I finally got it. Permanently. Best. Feeling. Ever.

Simple right? I thought so too. Turns out it’s pretty easy to get distracted, to stay too long, to spend too much time with the wrong people and places. Living in this new space has allowed focus on what I need most which is to ask more questions, not just of myself but of the world. To travel more, to try to understand global issues, to make good art, and to find ways to make better choices.

I’ve always said that travel is the best education, because it’s true. Last year, I was able to team up with Contiki Travel for an incredible trip to The Galapagos Islands which I can honestly say has changed me forever. I spent time photographing endemic wildlife on beautiful volcanic beaches. I learned about ocean conservation from naturalist guides and I plotted plans to save the planet with Contiki’s sustainability partner, Celine Cousteau.

 

The experience pretty much blew my head off. As a storyteller I’m more focused on telling the stories that are the most important to me and I’m even more inspired to continue learning how to affect positive change on our complicated, fragile planet. Oh, yeah and I’m no longer afraid of swimming with sharks. Just saying.

Contiki Galapagos from Freshsox on Vimeo.

I hope this year allows you to create everything your heart desires and I hope you will accept our Galapagos video as a call to action.

Where will your personal evolution take YOU this year? What do you love? How can you share it with the world?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

XOSarah!