XXV by XXV

So if you haven't heard yet, I JUST reached this personal goal of #25by25 and I am SO DAMN PROUD OF MYSELF for making it happen!For those of you who don't know what this is.. it's a goal that I set for myself to travel to 25 countries by the time I was 25!!! And as of July 1, I successfully completed that goal and finished my trip to Belize (#25).Just in time too, since my birthday is coming up next week! haha...I started traveling internationally in 2014, and within three years, I have completely changed as a being. And travel is responsible.Anyways, since I reached this goal I wanted to share a few personal insights I have had while embarking on this transformational journey...

 If it scares you, do it. 

It's okay to live an unconventional life. 

Thinking with an open mind, rewards you with endless opportunities and incredible experiences. 

Life puts mountains in your path, so you can show others they can be moved. 

 There are so many more opportunities for us to pursue than the ones that are "perfectly packaged" for us by society. 

If traveling was easy, everyone would do it. 

No matter how far you go, you can always go farther. 

It is important to fall in love with your own natural beauty. 

Some may never understand why you do what you do, and that's okay. 

I don't need much to be happy and feel alive. 

if you want something bad enough, you'll make it happen. 

laugh at your mistakes, especially the big ones. 

• there are amazing people all over the world, take a minute to get to know each person, their story, their travels, their life. In short, talk to strangers. 

life is not meant to be lived in one place 

there will never be a perfect time where everything just falls into place, you have to jump before you're ready to fly & make it up as you go along. 

Now I'm no guru, nor do I claim to be one. But looking back and reflecting on these past 25 years has been a trip. I feel like I've learned sooooo much. Ive seen so much. I've experienced life. And learned to live it.  I believe I've transformed into someone I would barely recognize just years ago.For that, and soo much more. I am forever grateful. xx, C