2018 A Year In Review

December 31, 2018

If I could sum up the past year in one word for me it would that 2018 was a year of transition.

In truth my identify as an adult was completely tied to the title of mother. I didn’t know who I was without the responsibility and the sacrifice of single motherhood.

So after devoting my life to being a mom, when my son graduated from high school earlier this year, I struggled with defining an identify independent of being “Mom”.

People can forewarn you and share their experience to help you prepare, but honestly until you live it, you really can’t know how the empty nest life will affect you.

I just couldn’t seem to get into a rhythm this year. We started off with the hustle n’ bustle and stress of football recruitment and then senior year activities and graduation. And then it was the sprint to get him ready and prepared to move 900 miles away from home.

And then suddenly there was stillness and silence and I wasn’t ready for it.

When I generated my Best Nine of 2018, it made me smile because I realized that somehow I did still manage to have some pretty cool adventurous moments in my life in 2018 even in the midst of my identity crisis.

I haven’t had a chance to blog about them all yet but without any further delay here are my top 5 best adventures of 2018.

5. Seeing the famous Horseshoe Bend in Arizona and floating down the Colorado River in Glenn Canyon was a memorable highlight this year. The Horseshoe is one of the most photographed locations in the world.

And let me tell you, getting up to the lookout point was a pain in the ass for someone who is out of shape with asthma at that high elevation and 100+ degree heat index.

But it was totally worth it!!!! Sadly this was an unplanned stop so I didn’t have my DSLR camera, just my cell phone so it’s not my dream shot but the pic is still pretty dope.

4. I finally visited the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.

It was everything everyone said it was and more. I promise I’ll be writing all about that experience.

3. I got a new passport stamp when I visited Montego Bay , Jamaica for the first time. I was hosted by Sandals Resorts for an amazing experience.

2. I went snorkeling in Jamaica and I saw an eagle ray up close in the wild for the first time ever!! It was an unbelievable experience that will only live on in my memories because I didn’t have an underwater camera. I know…I suck.

1.My top adventurous experience of 2018 was visiting Sedona, Arizona and seeing its famous red rocks and experiencing the tranquility and spirituality that everyone talks about. It is definitely one of my favorite destinations so far.