Introduction to Years of...

In 2020, April realized she wanted to develop new habits that would contribute to her growth. She aimed to enhance areas she hadn't previously explored. Initially, she considered trying for a month, but then she pondered the idea of committing for an entire year.

2020, the Year of Pause. A time when she stops. She checks her pulse and halts her usual 'FAST' pace. She begins to notice her surroundings, the people, natural landscapes, and man-made structures. While 'Time' was beyond her control, she could decelerate and appreciate the world she inhabits. During Covid, she discovers the lush landscape and nature in her Georgia backyard, prompting her to reflect, pause, and let go of stress. The green scenery invites her to inhale deeply and exhale her troublesome and worrisome past, creating space for new joyful experiences.

2021, a Year of Reconstruction. This was the year she rebuilt her psyche on physical, emotional, and mental levels. She established boundaries and worked on both old and new relationships. She chose to let go of negative relationships that burdened her soul. This idea extended to renovating her personal home. She envisioned transforming it from a mere storage unit with leaky ceilings and stained floors into a haven, a luxurious space akin to the beautiful hotels she visited worldwide. As she planned future trips, she wanted to return to a home that matched the elegance of those hotels.

2022, the Year of Pleasure, was an enjoyable time. With a picture of her 10-year-old self stored on her phone, April reminded herself to prioritize her own needs. She asked herself what she wanted to do, as her childhood had been filled with responsibilities to her parents, brothers, and work. It was her moment as they embarked on their first trip since Covid. Enjoying the beaches of Hawaii, hiking the Grand Canyon, driving along California's west coast, exploring the Galapagos, and finally reaching the seventh continent, Antarctica. She swam with turtles, conversed with penguins, and indulged in 'pleasure.'

2023, the Year of Fluidity. A year dedicated to spontaneous actions and sudden changes. Embracing activities with minimal preparation, occasionally experiencing life from another's perspective and exploring different directions. Her travels took her from Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore to Moldova and Ukraine, visiting a total of 29 countries as she roamed without a fixed plan. 

2024, the Year of Sincerity, is when she discovers her voice and acts on her own thoughts, rather than being concerned with others' opinions. She took control and made her travels personally significant. Traveling has been an investment and a lifelong journey of self-discovery in the world. Throughout this journey, she learned a lot about herself while connecting with people globally. She truly owns her travel experiences, venturing to 21 countries from Bolivia to West Africa.

2025, the Year of Decadence. She has always led a frugal lifestyle, adept at living within her means, which has benefited her financial well-being. While she knows how to lavish others with luxury, she struggles to indulge herself. Discover how she explores decadence in an attempt to overcome her scarcity mindset. Despite the challenges, she ventures into opulence. This is a year for indulgence, focusing on herself and enjoying the rewards of her hard work.