The Next Chapter: The Gunks: Goodbye 2015

From the Tetons to Laramie, from Delaware to Wyoming, from Laramie back to Jackson, and now, to the Gunks - 2015 has been one heck of a year for me! I think one of my biggest accomplishments and biggest challenges was moving to Laramie and finishing my Masters. Laramie was definitely a challenging place for me - being in the same place as previous love (especially in a small town), buckling down to finish the masters, and finding my niche (again) was really a big mental, physical, and emotional battle. But I have pushed myself to overcome, cope, tolerate, and make the best of those challenges; I have learned to rely on myself in ways that I did not think I could. I learned to open up and let new people into my life. I have gotten to know myself inside and out to where I have developed a love and level of respect for myself that I did not give to myself before.

This past year really has paid off in more ways than one. And looking back at not just this past year but the last two years has really given me a lot to reflect on. Leaving the comforts of my home and beloved home state to a place where I did not know anyone, anything, or my barrings of Wyoming really have given me some valid proof that I have grown and learned a lot (and am still learning and growing every day). From the past two years, specifically this year, I have seen what the world and new places can provide me as long as I am open to receiving it (and will continue to work toward that openness). 2015, you found me love in some many ways - through the natural world; through science; through art; through losing some friends, but gaining some awesome new ones; through seeing some awesome wildlife and views; through trying new activities (like climbing and snowboarding); and much, much more.

Through the roller coaster that was 2015, I am truly grateful for how it has panned out and have many things to be proud of. I am proud that I obtained a new title to my name and can be called a 'Master' of something. I am proud that people trusted part of their vacation to me giving them positive and memorable tours in two of the most beautiful places in Wyoming (and in fact, the country). I am proud that I stood up to myself and others to go for my dream job (even if that meany moving from one beautiful place to another). I am proud and incredibly grateful for the friendships and relationships that have crossed paths with me - for those people that I have met in 2015 really helped shape me to who I am (no matter the time frame). I am so proud and incredibly blessed to have friends and family to support and back me on the decisions I have made and given me the space to learn from them and allow me to experience things for myself.

I have grown a lot from 2015 and I can only hope that 2016 will do the same. Here's to a New Year and a New Beginning in a New Place!

As I reflect back on my 2015 Blog Entries, my phone full of thousands of photos, and my computer. Here are some things that I am incredibly proud of, thankful for, and happy to have experienced in 2015! Enjoy!

Happy New Year! See you all in 2016!
TheChristyBel