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: If you’re feeling inspired to spend some time in front of a painting, the Bellas Artes museum is the place to go. If you’re going to pay up for dinner and a show, I highly recommend reading reviews and going for a high-quality venue. Don’t come here if you’re actually tired of steak, but if you’re not, it’s the place to be. I had very little time to dig into Argentine history or culture and had the good fortune of Aaron and his family planning for most of our trip (by the way, our visit to Buenos Aires was the starting point of a long journey through Patagonia).

Our move to Connecticut (and subsequent school and work) consumed most of the summer and fall, but we found time to escape to New York City twice before the end of the year. It’s a gift to know what you’re good at, what you care about most, and how to combine those things into a meaningful past time that somehow pays the bills. I was recently asked concerning how I’ve changed over the past 10 years, and I think it’s been mostly this: watching my passions and skills and sense of calling align in the form of a new dream, and discovering the courage to pursue that dream with all that I have. Unless we are want for work, I don’t plan to heap on more goals and things to check off the list before this time next year.

If you’re new to the area (like I am), it’s helpful to open up Google maps and search your surroundings for “forest” or “park” or “reserve. If you’re still at a loss for what’s around, check out the local state park website for where you live, or any social media accounts that feature beautiful places in your area (for example @visitnh) * Quick jam-jar salad with pickled shallots: 40 minutes before you leave, chop up a few shallots, add a teaspoon of salt, a splash of your favorite vinegar, and let them quick-pickle. It’s the easiest thing to make (grab some mulling spices and cider, steep over the stove or in an Instant Pot), and it stays fresh in the refrigerator.

But it’s not rest alone that brings meaning to these long days or the pages and pages and pages of schoolwork. It’s true that most of us have to put our heads down and complete tasks we dislike at some point or another; but consistently making choices that are ultimately bad for our wellbeing is a symptom of fear or a lack of conviction. While the lifestyle I’ve chosen isn’t exactly popular, I’ve come to realize that it still somehow inspires. Even if living deeply means stepping away from the crowd, forward in vulnerability, and out in creativity, we become another point of reference for what life can look like.