When my husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I told him, “A trip to New York.” I’ve been dreaming of seeing a Broadway show, trying all the pizza and bagel spots I’ve saved on my phone, and experiencing the magic of New York during Christmas and New Year’s. Just thinking about it fills me with excitement. For me, experiences hold more value than any material gift. They’re treasures I can carry with me, replaying the memories over and over in my mind.

This reminds me of the time I first visited Colorado. Going to Denver was something I had put on my vision board, and when it finally happened, it exceeded all my expectations. The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful truly picturesque. Even now, I can close my eyes and transport myself back to those moments, feeling the awe and joy all over again. That trip, like so many others, became a cherished part of my life’s story.

I’ve decided to focus on collecting experiences, not things. These moments stay with me, becoming a part of who I am, and I can revisit them anytime in my mind. Whether it’s a trip to New York or a memory of the Colorado mountains, the joy of these experiences is something I’ll always hold dear. So here’s to the adventures we dream of and the ones we’ve yet to take each one a gift that lasts forever.