January Feelings | Health, Wellness, Mindfulness

Actually, I wasn't planning on writing a reflection post this year or share any of the lists below when I wrote them down in my notebook in a hotel room in New York on New Year's Eve. But then I saw a "January Feelings" post I had written exactly one year ago. I thought I should keep writing these every year – even if it's just for myself and no one else reads it. It's pretty amazing to look back and remember your feelings and thoughts on life one year ago.
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Here's my 2017 in a nutshell:
lots of laughs, landing my dream job, making amazing new friends, getting married in Turkey + wish balloons :) , an awesome honeymoon in Hawaii, jumping into a new career field, SO many scary moments, a big quarter life crisis, lots of self-doubt, even more soul searching but overall an amazing ride... Scroll through the slideshow below for a little "highlights of the year" tour.  :)

– My 2017 –

In 2017, I decided to do something crazy and turn my passion into a career. It totally freaked me out, still does some days. Entering a new career field is challenging but is so worth it. Please let me know if you'd like me to share my experience & tips on changing careers.

I started this blog and my IG account to be inspired by the #wellness and #girlboss community online. I put myself out of my comfort zone so, so many times. I started teaching Pilates classes in my second language, absolutely LOVED making my clients and friends feel better, healthier, inspired to move more.

I also made some amazing friends in San Francisco and met awesome people through Instagram. The absolute best part of using more social media was connecting with so many amazing, inspiring girls, some local and some from all over the world.
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I’ve survived 2017. WE survived! We're here. 
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​To be honest, I have no dramatic insights for 2018.
I’m still grateful, confused, a little lost, scared, ambitious and so excited – all at the same time. With all those emotions, I wrote down a list of things I want to BE more and DO more in the new year:  

– 2018 –

​BE more.
Be more present, be more love & light.
Be a better wife, sister, daughter, friend...
Joyful, kind, and smart,
Mindful & healthy,
More confident,
Be unapologetic about who I am and believe in myself more.
Be more authentic and genuine,
Be more natural and be closer to the nature.

Do more.
Make my wellness a priority.
Travel more. Go to sunny places, be on the beach, thrive outside, be in nature.
Do more yoga, more pilates. 
Meditate and practice mindfulness.
Read more: that’s the best way to spend time and invest in my life/career.
Stretch daily, even for 10 minutes is better than none.
Stick to what works for my body, hair, skin.
Shop less. Recycle more.
Quit loooong to-do lists: Set 3 daily goals and crash them!
5 minute journaling in the morning and before bed.
Give back more.
Reflect on how I'm helping others & how I can make positive impact.
Embrace uncertainty.
Manifest success, wealth, health.
Invest in quality rather than quantity. Stay laid back. 

On a more superficial note :
Grow out my hair. :) Keep it healthy and long – no highlights or dyes. Use more natural and non-toxic beauty products. Nurture my skin and hair from inside and out. 

Hopefully, this's a positive and inspiring read for you. High five for making it to the end of this long post. :)
Keep being awesome, keep being YOU this year! Happy 2018!

​Lots of love,
​Hande.