Where Did “Year of Claude” Come From?
Year of Claude. Aside from being my Instagram handle and now online identity, the three words carry a story that I don’t share often. “Year of Claude” is what I like to think of as a personal mantra, one that reminds me to prioritize myself and create a life empowered with self-discovery, self-care, mental well-being, and healthful decisions.
Back in the summer of 2015, I was in a bad place. I was just 22 and had broken off a toxic long-term relationship and engagement. (Yes, getting engaged right of college is in fact “a thing” in the state of Tennessee). Now, when I say that this was a toxic relationship, what I mean is that it was all-consuming. It warped my mind, broke me down, destroyed my sense of self-esteem, and created a huge storm of self-doubt that made even going to work or hanging out with friends uneasy.
“Year of Claude” came about as a way for me to reclaim my power and step into 365 days focused on rediscovering what it meant to be myself again.
At that point of my life, I had spent nearly five years of my young adult life consumed by another person. I had sacrificed opportunities to go out and make new friends, take road trips, stay up late, and to discover who I was or could be for fear of making someone else uncomfortable. “Year of Claude” came about as a way for me to reclaim my power and step into 365 days focused on rediscovering what it meant to be myself again.
For those 365 days, I focused on healing and directed all my energy toward my hobbies and friends. I worked consistently on my fitness, got my certified to teach barre, and ran my first 5K race! I devoted quality time to my friends and my family, and rebuilt relationships that I had left on the wayside. I supercharged my career and became the youngest member on Knoxville’s PRSSA board. Overall, I worked my way toward my happiness and discovered a stronger version of myself, emotionally, mentally and physically.
While Year of Claude came to fruition in 2016, the journey continues. Since I decided to make myself a priority, I’ve grown so much. I moved to New York City, had a great career in public relations and marketing, and am now pursuing fitness full-time. I’m my happiest and healthiest, and through Year of Claude, I hope to inspire others to prioritize themselves and what makes them happy and feel more confident, so that they can live their best year yet.
“I just want to live again. I just want to be brave. I just want to become who am supposed to be without feeling as if when I do, that I’ll be leaving someone behind or guilty for wanting pursue something bigger than I have ever dreamed. I just want run and not tread. I want to have fun with my friends and not feel guilty. I want to heal. I want to become who I am supposed to be. I want to be Claude.”