Happy new year! I hope 2010 was as good a year to you as it was to me. We’re not just starting out in a new year now, but a new decade. And in the spirit of things, I want to take some time to go over some of the highlights from last year and the direction I’m setting for this blog in the new one.
Best of the Old
I started this website eight months ago and it still amazes me how much it‘s grown. Here are some of my favorite posts from last year. If you‘re new to this site, I would start with these posts to get a good feel for what this site is all about.
The Ultimate Motivation to Live Life to the Fullest
How to Become a Successful Risk Taker
The 3 Types of Fear That Can Hold You Back
My most commented post was:
6 of the Least Touristy Countries – Hidden Gems You Should Visit
My most controversial post was:
The Myth That Americans Don’t Travel
About a month ago I started a Facebook fan page for this site. I haven’t really done any promotion for it yet so there are only a handful of people there. Some of you have already found it and “liked” it and I want to thank you. I’m going to push this fan page this year so more people will be joining soon. Check it out if you haven’t had a chance to see it yet.
A lot of things happened in my personal life this past year. I started grad school, got engaged and started this site. Grad school was overwhelming at times and so busy for me during finals week that I even missed posting on this site. Furthermore, I traveled to Costa Rica, Nicaragua and San Antonio. I didn’t travel as much as I wanted, but I have several trips lined up already for next year. First up is Washington D.C. in just a couple of weeks.
Into The New Year (And Decade)
One of the biggest changes for this site you’ve probably already noticed is the look. I decided that the old look was good, but I wanted something more professional. I shopped around for something both functional and user-friendly and I think I succeeded. Let me know what you think about it.
This year I’ve only been able to post once a week due to time constraints with school. I’ve been releasing new posts on Sunday nights since I’ve only found time to write on the weekend. Next year I want to write a lot more so expect posts to come out more frequently. I have dozens of post ideas swirling around my head. In fact, 2-3 of those posts I’m really excited about and I think they’ll be of great benefit to the readers here.
I’ve also decided to do guest posting on other sites. I’ve been asked by a few other sites to guest post and I think this will be a great way to get exposure and bring in other excellent readers. I’ve also been debating about opening this site to guest posts too. However, I haven’t had anyone approach me to do this yet. This may change if I put something on this site about accepting guest posts.
Happy New Year
I want to thank all of you that read this site on a regular basis. You’re the ones that make this site possible and give me the motivation to write more. I’m looking forward to connecting with you further in the New Year.
I hope you all take the time to reflect on how far you’ve come last year. If you’ve made a lot of positive changes, then you should see next year as an opportunity to build on those changes. If you’ve had a bad year, see next year as a fresh start to build the life you want. Start off the new year by setting a resolution to cross one item off of your bucket list.
I’m loving the new layout and I’m super excited for your posts in 2011. I’m wanting to update my little piece of cyberspace this year too. You’re great inspiration. Happy new year!
Thanks Miranda, I’m glad you like the new layout. Happy new year to you too.
Right, one job done – just ‘liked’ your Facebook page! 🙂
We’ve made a bit of a New Year’s Resolution to do more guest posts too – we just need to get around to doing them!
Happy New Year!
Julia
Sounds like you had a really great year and have an awesome one coming up! I enjoy your site because your posts are about travel and motivation/inspiration–and that’s a great combo. Look forward to more of it in the future. Keep up the great work!
Great year end round up! All the best in 2011 😉
Heading over to read your controversial post. They are the best type! Happy new year and hope 2011 goes the way you want it to.
It always amazes me when people that are going to school also find time to read and write for personal reasons. When I was in undergrad/grad, it was all I could do to read and write for my classes; the last thing I wanted to do was to spend any of my spare time doing more of it. So Congrats with what you’ve been able to do in your very full year and here’s to an amazing 2011!
I have to admit that it was difficult at times to get everything done. I think I make pretty good use of my time. Plus, I’ve got a great fiance who helps me out when things start piling up. I hope you have a great 2011.
It’s my first time here in your blog and wow, i am impressed with your writings 🙂 May you have a fruitful 2011! 😀
Thanks for your comment, Micamyx. I hope you have a great 2011 too.
Happy New Year 🙂 It sounds like you had a very eventful 2010! Congratulations on your engagement, grad school and of course blogging success. I’m looking forward to what you do with the site in 2011 – liked your FB too!
Hi Laura,
I did have an eventful 2010 and I’m looking forward to 2011. Thanks for liking my Facebook fan page. I hope you have a great year.
happy new year bud.. wishing you more success this 2011 🙂
I thought your website was probably mainly a travel site when I first found it, because you comment on my travel blog, and most people who do that are other travel bloggers. I’m glad this is not a travel site, though! You have some seriously thought-provoking posts, and it’s refreshing and challenging to read them and comment on them.
I wish you the best with all of the changes, as well as the existing conditions, in your life I do think the header should have a photo, or maybe a graphic, though. I’m personally more fond of photos.
Thanks Sabina, I’m glad you find the posts thought-provoking. I do write about travel, but I don’t consider this really a travel blog. It’s mostly about getting people to make their lives as interesting as possible. Travel just happens to be one of the best ways to do that.
Thanks for the tip on getting a photo for the header. I’ve been thinking about doing that. I’m going to put it on my “to-do” list.
If you are still interested in having people guest post on your site, I would be interested.
Tyler