2012: The Year of Risk

Dear Readers:

The end of an old year and the beginning of a new one always inspires a fair amount of the kind of navel-gazing that elicits a horde of eye-rolls and “oh, brothers!” from those on the receiving end of such platitudes.

And, I’m sorry to say, this is probably going to be one of those posts. You have been forewarned.

That said, 2012 isn’t simply another new year for me. In April, I will celebrate a milestone birthday and, as such, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my life, the kind of impact I want to have, and the type of legacy I’d like to leave.

What I’ve come up with is this: for far too long, I’ve played it safe. Too safe. I’ve been the good guy and I’ve played by the rules. And I’ve been afraid. Afraid to fail and even more afraid to succeed.

So this year I’m not making travel resolutions. In fact, I’m not making any resolutions at all. I’m simply focusing on a single word that I hope will inspire me to live the kind of life I’ve dreamed about.

The word? Risk.

What it means for me

Risk means changing how I think and taking more chances in life. Like finally conquering my fear of deep water. And getting over my fear of heights. And maybe, just maybe, learning to be a more adventurous traveler. Just don’t expect me to drink any snake blood cocktails, though.

What it means for the site

I conducted a brief and unscientific survey in early December about possibly changing the name of the site from Single Occupancy to Wanderlust for One. Your responses were so supportive and enlightening–some of you liked the new name while others felt attached to the old one. Your comments made me think, especially the insights from a few fellow bloggers who cautioned that the name change might crack the foundation of this little corner of the web that you’ve helped to establish.

I’ve spent the last month thinking about it and after one long sleeplessness night, I’ve decided I’ve gotta go with my gut on this one. Wanderlust for One just feels right and I simply can’t shake the feeling that this is the right decision. I’m no soothsayer and there are no guarantees I’ve made the right choice. It’s simply a risk I’m willing to take. The first of many to come in 2012.

What it means for you

Some changes lie ahead. Not only will the name of the site change, but there’ll be a new look as well (redecorating? right on!) as well as some new/relaunched features of the site that I hope will inspire your own wanderlust. Once a timetable is established for when each of these changes will take place, I hope to develop a “survival guide” of sorts with the goal of making the transition as seamless as possible for you. First order of business? You can now follow me on Twitter as @WanderOne and I’m really looking forward to interacting with you there.

I’m incredibly grateful to each of you for giving me the opportunity to have a voice in travel, share my adventures, and connect with people who share my passion. You made my 2011 a damned awesome year, and I’m hopeful that 2012 will blow 2011 out of the water.

I’m ready to take some risks in 2012 to make it my best and most rewarding year yet! Are you?