I’m pretty sure the world is trying to tell me something. At first it was subtle, but it’s becoming increasing apparent that something or someone out there wants me to change my ways. Maybe it has something to do with the new year and everyone and everything geared towards renewing themselves and their lives. Whatever it is, my eyes are wide open and my ears are ready to listen.

It started one night when I was going through our RTW videos. I noticed something about myself that I’ve been missing. It wasn’t just one thing, it was a lot of little things that together created the person I want to be. While traveling I was confident, self assured, strong, and rested. Even though we were running around like crazy, I had never felt more alive.  I had well earned laugh lines, I was sleeping through the night and I was waking up undoubtedly happy.

The next day I read two different blogs about how the bloggers were given grief for following their dreams and wanting to travel the world. I was baffled. Obviously being from a very supportive family and apart of a close knit group of friends who were all “following their dreams”, the idea that someone would question another person’s dreams seemed ridiculous, if not down right mean. (I mean, no one questions someone when they say they wanted to be a lawyer or doctor!) I immediately penned (more like typed) my heart away with support and love for them to be courageous while follow their dreams.

Then we saw three new movies that shook me to my core. The first, The King’s Speech, is a charming British movie about a king I knew very little about.  The history wasn’t what I held on to (although it was extremely fascinating), it was the bravery it took for the King to get the help he needed with his speech problems, it was the support from his wife and the friendship that developed amongst two complete opposites. The second movie, Black Swan, pulled me in a completely different direction. While being completely emotionally drained and my shoulders tight with tension, I took away the struggle of being absolutely free and bold with your choices; fighting to be on top and to be heard. The third, 127 hours, left me with the sense of accomplishment and perseverance that makes even the worst of bad days seem completely silly.

The latest sign happened while enjoying one of my favorite fitness magazines. Right there on page 24 it said “Be fearless. If you make only one resolution this year, let it be to live boldly.You control this moment:Rather than cautiously test the water, dive straight into life with freeing abandon. Imagine the person you want to be and the life you want to live and commit. Believe in yourself. Embrace your beauty. Discover a new passion. And whatever you do, wherever you go, don’t be afraid to make a splash.” -Self Magazine.

I mean, are you kidding me? That wasn’t just a sign- that was a slap in the face! That was a wake-up, Jade!- moment! I want to be the girl who was on my round the world trip- every. Single. DAY!

Back in September, I made a list of 25 things I learned on my round the world trip- and I’m committing to myself to take those things and put them into my everyday life. I want to explore my own city more, take more weekend trips around California, live a life of unlimited possibilities, and, spend more time making my dreams come true.  It’s not a resolution, it’s my new way of thinking.

For all the dreamers out there- join me! I’m going to say it LOUD and PROUD:

I AM A DREAMER. And, I AM A TRAVEL BLOGGER.