The year to explore: 2014.

Adventure; a thirst to be closer to nature; a ceaseless lust to see more of my city, my home, my world; saying yes to new things; exploring beyond what I believed I could do: all these things were my 2014.

2013 reminded me that I needed to take care of myself; that also meant giving myself space and time to grow, to explore and stay close to all the things that make me glad to be alive. 2014 was about putting all that into practice.

This openness led to one of the best and most unique years of my life. In January a sudden job came up and before I knew it, I had said yes to filming koalas on a plane for Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Being passionate is contagious, and I was left buzzing after working with creatives I've long-admired: I filmed for the lovely Jasmine Dowling, the folks at Analogue/Digital and the amazing letterers at Type By Hand. While all that was happening, I solely organised, curated and branded an exhibition for WWF called Jungle Heart, before jetting off to Borneo to Trek for Orangutans. It was the first time I had ever travelled solo, the first time I had ever done any kind of camping, and the first time a physical challenge would comprise most of my trip. I spent 8 months physically training for it, spending 4-5 hours every weekend hiking up trails with a heavy bag—I loved all of it.

Four days after I returned, I photographed my friends Lucy & Alex getting married at Maleny—it was one of the best days I've ever had. I was also interviewed by Element Eden Australia. 3 months later I took off to the skies once more, heading to Hong Kong, Beijing and The Philippines with my family. It would be our first trip together ever (aside from the times we've made new countries our home).

For as long as I can remember I've always put pressure on myself; never feeling as if I was doing enough, and so trying to accomplish everything, trying to be invincible, all the while never allowing myself to truly live or to truly enjoy anything without guilt.

So 2014 became about freeing myself from myself; becoming internally kinder and more present. I forgave my imaginary faults, slowly learnt (still learning) to enjoy down time, and started remembering all the things that made me come alive. I'm excited for all the things this year will bring—I always am, but now it will be so much sweeter, because I have learnt to live.