Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything. ~Napoleon Hill

One year ago today, I was frantic. I had a lot going on – it was my last day of work at my job in LA and I had to get up to Oakland that night so I could start my new contract job in San Francisco the next morning.

When I arrived, I was super nervous about living in a new place, working at a new place, navigating confusing freeways, finding the grocery store and keeping myself out of trouble in such an exciting city.

There are lots of things that have changed since this day one year ago. Like the way I drive. Oakland has a lot of pot holes in the road. People jaywalk verrrry slowwwwly even in the dark. Drivers are constantly either trying to parallel park or are trying to exit a tiny parking spot. Driving here is a bit like navigating mine fields in a war zone.

Another change is that I am genuinely joyful most of the time. I laugh more and with greater enthusiasm. I spend tons of time with a few friends that I absolutely adore. I am in love with someone who I want to spend the rest of my life with.

Some things haven’t changed at all. I still forget when I've made plans with people most of the time. I still don’t know where I am frequently, even when I’m less than a mile from home. I still spend a lot of time speaking with homeless people on the street. They have incredible stories. I’m still planning adventurous vacations to faraway lands.

Earlier this week, I started a new contract job at the same place that I worked last year. It’s kind of trippy – to be back here only a few days from my anniversary of starting work here a year ago. Life spins in cycles. Sometimes, we get dropped off exactly where we started, but in a very different place.

Today, I am celebrating my one year anniversary of living in the Bay Area. A few friends and I saw a midnight movie last night (Suckerpunch. You’ll never get those 2 hours back. Oy). Later, I’ll meet up with at least one friend and toast to this day.

I’ll add in a toast to jumping in and doing everything in your power to achieve your dreams. You really can have whatever you truly desire.