I moved to New York, started at Forefront, and turned 30 in 2015. It was the most formative year of my life. I'm happy to share some of the experiences that have shaped me into the current version of myself over the course of the year. I hope you can find a few things in this post that inspire, stimulate, and challenge you to grow throughout 2016. 

MUSIC

Music has served as a worthy companion on my journey through year 1 in New York City. Some days have called for inspiration, others for catharsis, and still others for a momentary escape from the intensity that we all love about this city. Here are some of my favorite albums that have populated the soundtrack of my life in New York so far. (Click on an image to find out why it made the list.)

BOOKS

I read a lot of books this year, but a few stood out as having a profound impact on me. 

PODCASTS

Can you believe podcasts exist? In my opinion, they might be the greatest gift the internet has ever given to humanity. Other than the twitter account @ObviousLeader. 

WEBSITES

Websites have replaced the newspaper for millennials. Below is my morning paper. 

TELEVISION

I didn't watch a ton of TV this year, but there were a couple of shows that are worth mentioning. 

PEOPLE

On December 24th, 2014, Ryan Phipps gave me a Christmas card. I had lived in New York for 23 days at that point, and I will never forget what that card said. 

"Travis/Ashley-

The coming year will be the most difficult year of your lives. It will also be the best year of your lives... Let's do something that changes the world." 

Those words were so true. As anyone who has ever moved to this amazing city can testify, the paradox is real. It's the best, and the hardest thing I've ever done, and there is no way I could have done it without the staff at Forefront.

Mike, Mira, Marlee, Ryan, Jonathan, Jen, and Ben- 

You have shaped me more than anyone or anything this year. I couldn't have made it through the year without you, and I wouldn't want to even if I could. Praying with you, serving with you, learning from you, arguing with you, crying in front of you, and seeing myself through you has changed me into a better person, pastor, husband, and dad. 

I'm so thankful for each of you. 

Let's do something that changes the world. 

(Slow clap)