Kally Kaiser | Travel Photography

How to possibly sum up a year (or 30?) of metamorphosis beyond my wildest imaginings? 29 has been expansive, a year to shock the senses, to challenge all that I thought I knew of myself and tear down any last self-imposed boundaries— making way for an era of such all-encompassing evolution that I hardly recognize myself from the start of the year, much less the decade.

When I was young, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was my comfort movie— so much so that I broke our burned DVD edition by watching it too many times. From the moment I found out Petra was a real place, I became determined to see it when I grew up. I can now happily say, Petra far surpassed my childhood imagination. Wandering through the ruins of this ancient Nabatean city, learning what little is known of these timeless and intricate structures, was a cherished dream come true.

To that little girl watching her favorite Hollywood explorer: know that in a few short decades, you will grow up to become your own hero. You’ll venture into the wild open world to make your own discoveries, master your own strengths. While your path may diverge from what is expected, you will learn to transform along with the changing tides. Even as you reach new depths, I promise you have light enough within you to guide you through.

You are brave and fluid and unbound, and you will find yourself lifted by people who are excited to see you shine and live their truth along with you. You are lucky beyond measure and your life will be filled with joy and play and wonder. Spend your time with people you love, and always always be grateful for those who love you without cause or expectation.

I can hardly imagine what 30 can bring to a life as full as this, but I can’t wait to find out 😌