I can’t believe it is almost 2012. Of course with the new year, comes reflection and goal setting. I’m so grateful to have met so many inspirational people in my life and have accomplished so much that I’ve always wanted to do. I can’t wait for 2012!

Carpe Diem. We’ve all heard the concept beaten to death in movies, Facebook status updates, Tweets and the like. Who actually lives every day as if it were your last? In the mix of working a 9-to-6 job 5-6 days a week, taking care of family and trying to keep your head above water.. we all know it’s impossible. I think Steve Jobs says it the best:

When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.” It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.

So then it begins: Forward Motion. It’s not an organization, it’s not a company…it’s a way of life. Even though we can’t truly (nor should we) live every day as if it were our last, we SHOULD live every moment in this pursuit of happiness. It’s a never-ending way of thinking. Just as life should feel. Nothing should ever feel complete. If it does, you’re doing it wrong.

Since the start of Forward Motion in San Diego, I’ve discovered parts of the city I didn’t know existed, met people who are very like-minded and it truly has made me a better person. I have no one else to thank except for everyone who has been supporting the cause and is now part of the movement.

I was so blessed to have met so many inspirational people throughout this journey. Entrepreneurs, motivators, doers and kind-hearted people. Since Forward Motion’s start in San Diego earlier this year, we have grown to over 115 members. Stuff like getting a skydiving certification, bungee jumping, marathons and traveling are only a small part of what we’ve done.

We’ve now expanded to San Francisco and Buenos Aires. It’s my dream to see Forward Motion in major cities across the world. One common idea that can unify us as people. People who enjoy living life to it’s fullest, meeting great people along the way. That is the dream.

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. - Eleanor Roosevelt

I love this quote because I consider myself a dreamer. I remember when I was a child, I’d daydream during class about all the amazing things happening around me and pictured myself taking part of all the excitement.

The future is now. That is the one fault in this quote. The biggest challenge I’ve learned while starting up the San Diego Bucket List Group, Forward Motion, is that you have to make it easy for people to take part of it otherwise people will wait till the last minute. A lot of individuals need that extra motivation to make that jump. I have and still struggle with this mentality. The time is now. Don’t wait. Continue Reading →

“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson

Ever since I studied abroad in Paris, France for a month, I knew I had the travel bug. There is something so rewarding and fulfilling about going to a new place where you don’t know anyone. Through traveling, you learn about yourself. You must learn to become more patient, more courageous and more open-minded. You must learn to use what little you have. It’s amazing.

As I look forward, I know I’d still like to do more traveling. I’d like to live in Paris, France for at least 6 months in hopes to tackle one of my bucket list items and life dreams (to live in France and become fluent in French). Below are  a couple things I’d still like to do. What is on your list?

1) Visit Beelitz in Germany and see the abandoned hospital, Beelitz Heilstätten. (view more photos)

Continue Reading →