I stand amazed at the love, kindness, and generosity the universe bestowed on me this year. The victories were tremendous. Except for a few notable setbacks, I was watched over, cared for, and loved, unlike any other year in recent times. Given all that happened to me in 2015, I spent 2016 recovering and rebuilding my life. I am humbled at the way things came full circle this year, a very fitting culmination of the past two.

I’m so grateful for the life. I will affirm, things are only getting started. When I look back on the memories, it’s hard not to write down a few of the favorite ones; women’s March in Manhattan, successful aneurysm repair surgery and six month follow up report, two 5k events for charity, first helicopter ride, started a business, invested in the stock market, visited three countries and 20+ cities, first book collaboration, acquired a platform to bring my message to the world, Jill Scott in concert, a new hobby (painting), Elephant Nature Park, live taping of a talk show, OWO, the stranger who paid my bill, mobster museum, Downton Abbey exhibition, Ancestry DNA, Magazine Contributing Writer, Suzy visiting, met Deon, ship inspection, Capitol Hill, and recently secured a new job, with an almost 50% increase in salary…… the list goes on.

In a few short hours, a brand new year will be knocking on our doors. What are you most excited about? What plans do you have, that’s destined to set your soul on fire? I’m looking forward to projects already in the works, books to come forward, the first of many public speaking engagements, countries to visit, people to meet, and the love I will experience. Friends, if you only remember a few words from this post, please take with you the following; do not fear failure, but fear being in the same place next year, as you are now. Please know the best is yet to come. Don’t rely on anyone or anything to validate you. Finally, if you stumble (and we all do), make it a part of the dance.

Wishing you and your loved ones, the very best 2018 has to offer!

“Ten years from now, make sure you can say that you chose your life, and didn’t settle for it”

Until the next post,

Best,

Juan