2010 was a very good vintage for this hip mama. If I could bottle up all of the blessings the year brought, it would be a wine to savor for years to come. 2010 is the year I officially committed to HipTravelMama and watched it grow with the help of my amazing and talented mama friends. I completed a rigorous 40 days of intensive hot yoga that forever changed my perspective and commitment to regain my sense of self. I was blessed to train and complete my first marathon with my husband and partner in life waiting for me at the finish line. I have had the opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest in the travel industry and speak about my passion for story telling at industry events. I had the opportunity to create a site that I hope will be an inspiration for families who share my passion for luxe travel, style, food and wine and host our first Mama’cation, of which I hope will be the first of many travel inspired events.
It was what happened during the 40 days of Yoga that would forever change how I choose to spend my time and where I focus my energy. During one of our meditation sessions, we listened to Don Miguel Ruiz’s “The Voice of Knowledge.” For some, this book may be a bit too new-age, but as a writer, his words struck me like a lightning bolt. He said that you are the author of your life story – no one can write it for you and that is when it hit me – if my life is my story, how am I choosing to write it? Seems obvious, but how often do we find ourselves making choices based on fear or what we think we should do, versus what we know in our core?
I have a strong sense of faith and believe that there is a purpose I was born to fulfill. I also know that every day, I am blessed to make choices and it is how I choose – in spirit – that counts. I am a story teller and HipTravelMama is my story. It is my guidebook to share and inspire others with the things that fuel me, and reminder to live each moment as if I am creating my story. HipTravelMama.com is a place to inspire others to live an extraordinary life and get out and experience it with your family, rather than staying safe in the ordinary. It is my commitment to my husband to celebrate the life we are building together, live authentically and a promise to my children that I will lead by example. It is my daily reminder that I am the author of my story and no one else can write it for me.
The New Year always holds special meaning for me. Today as I celebrate my birthday, I get a chance to reflect on my accomplishments from the last year and refocus on my goals for the New Year. This year HipTravelMama.com will focus on more fun trips, unique travel experiences for families and celebrating the women, businesses and travels that inspire us. I am so blessed to be on this journey with you and look forward to a road well traveled ahead in 2011.
Happy New Year.
Anne Taylor Hartzell, aka HipTravelMama