Before the New Year gets away from actually being new, I wanted to take some time to reflect on a bit of inventory from this year, in order to cultivate a bit of mindful gratitude, 
So here’s what has boosted my self confidence this year:
1. I learned to drive a motorbike!
I moved to Thailand, so there’s no independence without one. I started basic, first with an automatic, only responsible for going, stopping, and pointing it in the right direction (And I still managed to drop it!). I then upgraded to semi-manual for my every day transport. And on longer trips, I have even taken out a fully manual Honda Phantom motorcycle, at 196 cc’s. I don’t know what cc’s are exactly, but more of them are louder and make you look cool as shit.
2. I scuba dived (dove?), rocked climbed, and rode a camel
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As someone who is exceedingly protective of her bodily safety, coupled with limited athletic ability, it was quite an accomplishment to get me to even try. I consider myself something of a sissy. Rock climbing made me feel so strong, so determined and focused. Diving reminded me what an incredibly stunning planet we have, and inspired me to learn and know more about everything around me. As far as the camel, I can’t say I was scared, but it was empowering. All I could think was, “Oh yeah, haters? Just try shit. I’m on a fucking camel.”
3. I learned to work on this website
I suppose basic coding doesn’t require leaving the house. But sharing my travels and doing my best to make the world just a little more comfortable for women exploring it has required me to not only learn new computer skills, but to break out of my safe husk of consuming and contribute something back. Even if it makes me feel vulnerable.
So here’s to travel goals in 2016:
1. Make meaningful, lasting connections with women where I travel
As an introvert, it’s so easy for me to stroll solo through the temple or cathedral, people watch from a seat at the café, or read about the culture I’m currently immersed in. People are what make travel a living and breathing, ever-evolving activity (literally). They make the food, the architecture, the literature. I hope to find it easier this year to introduce myself to fellow travelers and locals alike. I also hope that, like everything else, it just takes practice.
2. Be more mindful
About my carbon footprint, the impression I leave about my culture, where I spend my money, the history of where I am, basically all of everything. I’d hate to think I’m an oblivious consumer, but I know that I can get lazy, thoughtless, and be ignorant about the effects of my presence and actions. Case in point: Six years ago I rode an elephant AND visited a tiger temple. So here’s to paying attention.
3. Learn to Use my Camera
As much as I’d like to add web developer and professional grade photog to my ever growing CV, I feel like I’m totally fronting every time I take my heavy duty camera out. People take me seriously, they move out of the way of my vantage, they ask me questions about the thing, and I have no idea what most of the buttons do or what the acronyms are. Let 2016 be the noble pursuit of knowledge and new skills!