In less than 3 months I will be embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. I am leaving behind my friends, family, and career to be surrounded by the new and unknown. Typing this out to the world makes me feel like a crazy person.

My life is good. It’s great, even. I’m bundled up on my couch and it’s silent except for the gentle rain outside. I have my dog, coffee, and a good book queued up next (Yes Please by Amy Poehler – how fitting). Plus wifi, you can’t forget wifi.

What makes a person give this all up for with no concrete promise of what they’ll achieve? Why would a normally sane person say “Hey, living with strangers and constantly moving sounds fun!” We’ve all heard the sayings – you never know if you don’t try and You only live once (YOLO!).  As ridiculous as the YOLO movement is, it’s true. They’re both absolutely true. But it’s more than that.

Without sounding righteous, everything I have done in my life has been better than the thing before it. Moving out of my childhood home and going to college was scary but it turned out great and I have amazing lifelong friends to show. My first big-girl job was scary but it taught me my worth in a business setting and the value I can bring to a company. I made countless mistakes along the way and I wouldn’t change a thing. My year abroad is no different. It’s scary but if history is any indication, it will be the best thing I’ve ever done.

My goals for the year are pretty open ended at this point. I live my life with low expectations (sounds sad, but I swear it works). Until I really know what I’m getting into, setting lofty goals would only lead to disappointment. Instead, I’m focusing on:

•  Creating lifelong bonds with amazing people from around the world
•  Exploring new cultures, cuisines, and languages
• Serious adventure – scuba diving, hiking, festival-going
• Becoming financially independent on my own terms
• And of course, say Yes

“Travel, Say Yes” will be updated as frequently as possible from around the globe. I’ll chronicle my adventures with my new friends, great food, and attempt to make money online. If you don’t hear from me in a few weeks, I’ve probably been eaten by a shark. Call the local authorities, please.