Time and time again I’ve learned this about myself — I’m a terrible planner. “Girl, you are crazy,” is an ongoing theme in my life. But, looking back at 2017, spontaneity helped me let go and live a LOT. Historically, before becoming a mother, I lived most of my life by routine in a strict household that revolved around schoolwork and household chores. And when I became a mom at 19 years old I had no instruction manual on how to prepare for the life ahead.
This year, I am celebrating the many things I did in 2017.
In January, I decided to get my spark back. In February, I was getting ready to follow my dream of going on a mission trip across the world to give my life to 40 orphans in Indonesia. In March, Ali and I ran our first 5K together and I went to Vegas for the first time with a few of my girlfriends. In April, I turned 25 and danced at the March Madness Music Festival in Phoenix and went on a road trip with my mom and Ali to California. In May, I hugged and kissed my daughter goodbye and flew to Indonesia. I returned a day after Mother’s Day and we ate at my favorite cafe in Litchfield Park, Ariz. In June, I decided to give a boy a shot. Although it didn’t work out, I was happy while it lasted. In July, I met the Honduras national soccer team and Ali and I went to the Gold Cup at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. In August, I auditioned for my first-ever modeling show and made it. I also stepped on stage and did my first open mic poetry. In September, after weeks of practicing after work, I strutted my stuff on the runway, performed my poetry and shared my story. The best part was hearing Ali yell, “That’s my mommy!” To this day, she tells people her mommy is a model. We also celebrated her birthday and made a video dancing in matching Pikachu onesies. In October, we took a drive up north to Sedona, Ariz. and discovered a beautiful Dia de los Metros celebration at Tlaquepaque. In November, I was asked to be a guest speaker at an empowering event where survivors of domestic violence came together to share their stories and model clothing made by local designers. In December, for Christmas weekend, Ali and I drove to Universal Studios Hollywood and crossed meeting the Grinch off of our bucket list.
I remember towards the end of the year, writing a post on my Instagram page, while laying in bed sick and with a smile. It read, “I had one goal this year: to say yes to good things no matter the size of my fear. I did the unthinkable.”
When I was asked how 2018 would top 2017 I found myself saying, “I’m just gonna go with it.”
In the first couple of weeks of 2018, I’ve had some stressful moments and I’ve cried. I’ve also gone blonde. I’ve written my first magazine cover story. I’ve had pancakes for dinner. I’ve been showing off my stretch marks on social media a little more. I’ve been watching Ali learn how to roller skate inside and outside of our house. I’ve reconnected with old friends. I’ve also experienced loss. I’ve enjoyed the beautiful desert sunset with Ali while horseback riding and I’ve taken myself out on dates. This week, I’ll take on Kizomba lessons and Ali and I will play a game of kickball with local children with disabilities.
Living outside of a “routine” or a “master plan” has inspired me to live by faith and most importantly, to follow my heart.
Mommy Finger, Baby Finger 
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