Another year has come and gone and now we’re in for the supposed “worst year ever,” but I disagree.

Last year was good to me. In 2016 I actually fulfilled one of my lifelong goals–to live in the rainforest. Nearly four and a half months left me broke and in debt, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Why? Because I actually did me for a change.

I explored, I saw the world and I felt alive.

Now I want more. What’s next? Well somewhere between now and graduation I need to earn some money and decide what I really want for myself.

2016 was an awesome ride, yes there were a few bumps if you’ve been following my Vlog, but overall it made me stronger.

I went out the other night to one of the “hip” bars in Kensington Market, Cold Tea. Looking around the room, my boyfriend and I were probably the oldest people there–no one looked over 22. Then it struck me–that I’m over this! I don’t need to go out and be seen to feel like I’ve done something–in fact going out drinking accomplishes nothing.

There’s the social pressure and the guilt from fair-weather friends to go “party,” but it’s not something I do here (in Toronto). In fact, none of my friends in Costa Rica would believe me on this one, as the notorious former “party girl” of Dominical. But that was when I felt free, independent, on vacation and living my authentic life!

Resolutions

2017 is time for the “new me,” yes and already took on my resolution to quit smoking. No it wasn’t easy! The first morning I woke up in cold sweats, by the afternoon I was screaming and crying at the same time. Now a week in, I’m starting to feel good. Not really, I’ve been having dreams about smoking every night and I miss it so much.

But . . . that’s not the person I want to be.

I want to be the version of Ruby that I see! The one that wakes up early every morning to do yoga and drink green juice. Somewhere along the line I slipped, I fell off the wagon two years ago and am just waking up from this nightmare of self-loathing now.

It’s action time!

I am stronger than ever and can stick it out! That means giving up smoking cigarettes and passing on dead-end jobs to wait for the right one. Giving up friendships that no longer serve me and giving up the other things bringing me down.

Another big one for me is gluten and I’m going to attempt a more gluten-free year because I think it’s making me sick. Between bloating and breakouts it’s hard to ignore that after eating really clean in Costa Rica and coming back to my vegetarian, but North American diet, I’ve noticed many issues. Mostly with gluten. Now I’m embracing organic corn tortillas and rice flour is my new go-to for pancakes. My boyfriend is already gluten-free so I’m going to  try to make it work for me.

Time to let go in 2017 and just be free of the stuff that’s dragging you down. Have you given up something this year? If so, let us know in the comments! Let’s be strong together 🙂

Ruby xx