On the eve of the beginning of December, I am reflecting on the past few months of this chapter of my life. The middle of December marks fourth months of living in Shanghai! I was talking to a friend yesterday over Facetime and trying to describe how “right” my life feels at the moment. I feel to the core of me that I am exactly where I am meant to be and doing what I am meant to do in this chapter of my life. To me, Shanghai is pretty magical. My friends have always nicely teased me when I use words like “magical.” How I feel right now is as close to real life magic that I have ever left. I feel so settled in myself, passionate and excited about teaching, curious about everyday happenings and have consciously surrounded myself with some really phenomenal human beings.

(Me on a morning walk looking for a green juice)

“I truly believe that we find what we look for.” 

Those who know me, know that the last five years haven’t been the easiest. 2012-2015 were some of the most challenging, defeating, testing and overwhelming years for me. But with beautiful thing is that I made it to the other side so much stronger, much to the credit of my family and friends.2016 was spent making myself stronger and finding a new sense of normal which I am so grateful for. I will remember 2017 as a year of love. As 2018 draws to an end, I am not sure how I will chose to define it. It was the end of a relationship I deeply valued, but the beginning of a great adventure moving to Shanghai.

I feel more myself that I ever have which is so empowering and fun. Getting older is such a beautiful experience as time speeds up and slows down all at the same time. I’ve been listening to a podcast and reading about “momentum.” Momentum doesn’t just happen all at once but rather is the slow and steady accumulation of energy to push life forward. Looking back at all the challenges I have faced, I would like to think it was there to help build my endurance and strength.

“Life is a marathon not a race.” 

I am so excited for life to keep unfolding in the large and little ways. The holidays can be a stressful time with the combination of a lot of events and processing the end of the year. I already have a lot of exciting plans for next year and will continue to share the good, the bad, the ugly and the downright hilarious and ridiculous. Because lets be honest, laughing and embracing the ridiculousness of life is half the fun.

December on,

-Kaila