On New Year’s Eve just a month ago, I found myself hovering over the fire pit on my patio, struggling to light a folded piece of paper bound in white and red Christmas twine.

Although I had planned to create a roaring fire to celebrate the holiday, the 17mph winds of the night dictated otherwise. I wasn’t about to be the reason the huge, dried out palm tree (or worse, my duplex building) that bordered the property was going to catch on fire. Instead, I used my body to block the icy blow and worked to light the paper. As it finally ignited and burned – slowly, purposefully – I saw the intentions that I had written for the new year join the surrounding air in a mass of smoke and ash. Intensions of being a better person, focusing on my health and my talents, and trusting myself to face any struggles of the next 12 months.

The wind carried my dreams and desires away into the night, and although I was still unsure of what the future would bring, I was left with the hope of accomplishment and courage to pursue change.

One change I hoped to pursue was to finally have a place to call my own: my own space, my own kitchen, my own home. In California, the struggle is very real. It’s rare for me to meet people in their 30’s or younger in this state who live alone. Rent is extremely high, and owning a house is almost a pipe dream. Most of my friends live with roommates or with their significant others. Some friends still live with their parents in an effort to save money on living expenses while they try to save for a house.

Imagine my shock that thanks to a price dip in the rental market, and to an amazing benefit I get working for a major property management company, I was given the opportunity to check an intention off my list: to have my very own apartment!

I’ll admit that I was hesitant to take the opportunity. I’ve always lived with family or roommates, and the idea of living completely on my own was scary. Would I get too lonely? Could I really afford the rent, even with a discount? What if someone tried to break in and murder me (thank you 1am shows on Investigation Discovery)?

On January 27th, I left my shared home of two roommates, a baby, 2 cats, and a dog in Huntington Beach to pursue a life in Irvine…alone. And I couldn’t be more excited about it.

My new home is a 530 square foot apartment on the 3rd floor of a building with no elevator. There is a constant hum of cars passing by on the 5 freeway just outside my windows. But those same windows give me front row seats to the most amazing sunset views. And I’m hopeful that climbing those stairs every day will make my butt look really good.

As the next weeks (and months) go by, I’ll try to update the blog on my progress of making this apartment my new home. I’m excited to share the adventure with you all – the stress, the joy, and everything in between!

So here’s to change in the new year, and for jumping on opportunities even if they scare us. If you’re hesitant about making a change in your own life, hopefully reading this has inspired you to make a decision!

What are your views on change? Do you have intentions for the new year that you’re excited to pursue? Share in the comments below – I’d love to hear all about it!