The transition from one year to the next is peculiar. Not only are we all hyped up on new visions, new goals, and new hair cuts. We also tend to use this time to look back on all the things we accomplished, all the places we traveled, and all the experiences we encountered.

But this year, I am not really feeling the desire to brag about what I did, or boast about where I went. This year, I am looking back and reflecting on what I learned.

They say when you live, you learn, and I guess you can say I did a lot of living our last cycle around the sun because here are 18 lessons I learned in 2018.

1. Celebrate The Little Victories

It is pretty common to start a new year with high hopes and wild dreams, but rather than focusing on the big picture, it is important to celebrate the little wins that help us get there.

2. Eat With Intention

In attempt to get a better grip on my eating habits, this summer I completed the infamous Whole30. Through this personal test I became more in tune with my body by kicking the cravings, fueling it properly and learning how to eat more mindfully.

3. When You Travel Alone, You Are Never Alone

After embarking on a solo trip to Costa Rica, I challenged myself to connect with new people and new faces. From local super boys and beach club bartenders, to an English couple I called my Pura Vida parents. The world is filled with incredible individuals waiting to welcome you into their world with open arms.

4. Scale Back on the Screen Time

2018 helped me discover just how much the digital dimension messes with my mental health. On days where I was glued to the screen, I noticed myself feel frustrated, impatient and distracted compared to the days when I left my phone at home.

5. Sleep Does a Body Good

Sometimes it is hard to slow down, but I listened to my body this year when it screamed out for rest. I learned it is ok to sleep in until noon, if that is what the body wants. Getting enough Z's is what fuels us with the motivation and energy needed to conquer another day. So why not make it a point to rest up?!

6. Make Eye Contact

Eye contact is just as powerful as it is intimidating. I never realized how much I avoided it until I forced myself to practice it throughout the year. Keeping your eyes locked during a conversation is a power move. It shows confidence, while letting the other person know they are seen and heard.

7. Living With Your Parents Is Cool

Ok, so maybe having Mom and Dad as roommates isn't that cool, but you know what is? Saving money. I had to swallow my pride and move back into my childhood home this year, but the feeling of financial freedom is pretty nice. Now I am able to pay off some debt, save up some money, and figure out where I want to plant my own roots.

8. Wear Sunscreen

I am learning as the years go on, the sun is becoming more and more powerful. Keep your skin feeling healthy and looking fresh by protecting it from the harmful wrath of sun rays (your future self will thank you).

9. Enough, Is Enough

I often find myself wanting more, striving for more and trying to become more, but this year I learned to live with enough. What I do is enough, what I have is enough, and all that I am is enough.

10. Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help

I have always felt that asking for help was a burden, and I never wanted to inconvenience anyone, so I never reached out. By learning how to ask for help I now know people are actually happy to help! Being of service to others fuels us a sense of purpose and personal fulfillment. So you are not doing anyone any favors by holding back from the help.

11. Kids Make the Best Friends

After working a couple of kids birthday parties as a Professional Mermaid this year, I was reminded of children’s honesty and innocence. Kids are the ultimate BFF because they tell us how it is, encourage us to play, and believe that anything is possible (even mermaids).

12. Sharing is Caring

You would think I learned this lesson as a child, but sharing goes deeper than swapping toys at recess or sharing clothes with a sister. This year I learned how to open up and share my feelings, share my time, share my space, and share myself with others.

13. Money Always Works Itself Out

This year there were moments I was too scared to check my bank account, followed by other moments where I was handed a crisp $100 bill. Although money brings up feelings of stress and worry, it has a weird way of working itself out when you learn how to trust.

14. Masturbation is Healthy

Masturbation tends to be a taboo topic, but I learned it is the ultimate form of self-love. Not only does it make you feel more confident in your body, it relieves stress and releases all kinds of feel good endorphins. So, dim the lights, hop into bed and get down on a little self-exploration!

15. Careful What You Wish For

After a couple of coincidental moments, I learned to be careful of the energy I put out into the world. Just like we are able to manifest good experiences into our lives, we also have the power to turn our bad thoughts into a reality too.

16. It's OK to Say No

Between work obligations, family commitments, and our social lives we have a tendency to stretch ourselves thin. I get it though, saying no is tough. You don't want to offend anyone, or deal with the FOMO. However, you don't HAVE to do anything you don't WANT to. This year, I strengthened my no muscle and learned how to politely decline any invitation I wasn't feeling.

17. Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do

My biggest accomplishments this year were all from opportunities I created for myself. I learned how to send business pitches, accept rejection and did the best I could with what I was given in that moment. If there is a resolution you want to turn into a reality this new year, send some emails, get a game plan together and make it happen!

18. Let It Go, Let It Flow

My intention for 2018 was to let go of all expectations and go with the flow of life. Giving up control is hard, especially for a control freak like me. There were moments where I felt at peace, followed by moments where I felt challenged. I did my best to trust the journey and was able to experience a meaningful year, full of personal growth and valuable lessons.

A sunset snap from one of my favorite 2018 memories — Surfing in Costa Rica with a local boy named Ariel (I’m not making that up).

As we head in 2019, I encourage you to take the time and reflect on all you have learned about yourself this year. What have your experiences and accomplishments taught you, and how can you carry these valuable lessons over into the new year?

The college dropout in me believes that life is one of our greatest teachers. But like any class, you have to be willing to show up and put in the work if you really want to get something out of it.

Here's to another year of living and another year of learning.

xx Fins & Kisses,

The Mermaid.

18 Lessons I Learned in 2018