It's a New Year

Without further ado, here are my hopes, promises, and resolutions for 2014, in no particular order.

1. Travel the world. Top 10: Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruges, Copenhagen, Berlin, Budapest, St. Petersburg, Venice, Florence, and Prague.

2. Stay focused on the positive. Life is beautiful. Point blank. Soak up these last six months in Paris.

3. Surrender to the sometimes agonizing reality of instability and lacking control of the future. What's meant to be will be and it may be painful while its not understandable but eventually one sees that the relationships and memories we gather are a result of twists of fate and unforeseen circumstances. Never forget to think of how nothing would be the same if you hadn't decided to take that flight, make that move, or go to that event. Take risks and have faith.

4. This. "Be kind, work hard, smile often, stay loyal, keep honest, travel when possible, never stop learning, be thankful always, and love."

 5. Wake up early. At least a few times a week. Do not surrender to the fact that an au pair workday does not usually commence until 4pm. Breathe in the city before anyone else is awake, before the sun has risen, and linger over a coffee and a pain au chocolat. There is a beautiful simplicity in the day before it has yet to happen.

6. Stay inspired. Write, draw, be creative. http://www.pinterest.com/coralmay/inspire/

Never forget how lucky you are to be alive, to live where you do, to have the friends and family you have, and to have the dreams and ambitions that make life worth living. Stay inspired always.

Love always and bonne chance,

Coral

2013

2013 was unarguably the most drastic year of my life so far.

In January I turned 18.

In February I met my soul mate and best friend who would change my life on so many indescribable levels.

In May I took an AP exam that got me a 5 and made me feel like maybe I can analyze literature., as well as having front row seats standing at the acoustic Lights show, my favourite concert of all time.

In June I graduated high school. What.

In August I moved to Paris. Double what.

In September I met some amazing and lifelong friends in this city that I never would have met if I hadn't took that insane leap of faith (or eurostar ticket). I also wrote THIS blog post and was smothered with the most absolutely genuine love and support I have ever received from everyone from my parents to complete strangers.

In October I made a very very scary decision and changed jobs, moving into the 8th arrondissement, and traveled to Edinburgh, a city I have been dreaming of visiting for years.

In November I wrote a novel. Can I have another what?

And now, in December, I am about to go visit my parents. In my parents' house. In my hometown. SO MANY WHATS.

All in all, even between all the moments of insanity and intense self-doubt and absolute despair, I am immensely proud of this year. It has brought me more happiness and fulfillment than I ever dreamed imaginable. I cannot wait for everything the new year will bring, and will do a post on 2014 goals following this one.

I couldn't have done any of this without you all.

Love always,
Coral

Nest

Good morning!

Some snaps of my humble abode.

Feeling a little more at home every day!