Last year I shared some of the things I learned across the 12 months, my notes to self. I'm keeping up the tradition this year by doing the same. It's interesting to look back and see what has progressed but also the similarities that haven't, what I still need to work on (must learn to use my voice!!!) from last year.
In retrospect, this year was about growing up. I interned full-time for the first three months, then a few months later I graduated with my bachelor's degree. I also road-tripped alone. Even though with these things promote independence, it was also the year that I had to let go of that sense of control of my life and allow myself to get that extra layer of help, maybe even the harder part of adulting. I went into an ED treatment center for the majority of the summer. I reached out to my support system and am still learning to open up, to be vulnerable, to be authentically me. Again, tears were shed--tears of happiness from laughing too hard, tears of pain from the uncomfortable, but always tears of growth, tears of life. Relationships were strengthened while others withered more than I would have liked. But this is just another facet of growing older that I have to accept.
Growing up and getting older means becoming more of who you are. It is finding what you enjoy and determining what your goals are. I've come to appreciate myself more this year. I discovered how much I love spending time with me: slow breakfasts, shopping at the farmer's market, belting out the wrong lyrics to songs while driving, watching funny YouTube videos before sleeping, meditative yoga. It was reaffirmed how much I really don't like to drink though that shouldn't stop me from going out and that I don't see myself in Dallas but I should keep an open mind still.
Another year passing also means being more aware of those typical signifiers of where we should be in life. With people getting engaged, launching careers, moving across the country or even the world--looking like they have their lives sorted out already--, it's hard not to feel behind when things don't go the way you planned it out in your head. Here's a reminder for both you and my own self to carry with us in the upcoming months c/o one of the best books I read this year, Mitch Albom's The Timekeeper:
“It is never too late or too soon. It is when it is supposed to be."
Looking ahead into 2018, I have started to plan out my intentions for the new year. One of which is to be more present whether this be through appreciating nature, by listening more or simply actually saying yes and attending social events. Ultimately, being present is the process of leaning in towards the "when it is supposed to be" as opposed to searching for the past or chasing the future.
I may be a bit late in saying this (I mean, it is already the 2nd day of the year on this side of the world)--but as said up it's never too late--so happy new year! I wish you a 2018 full of more love, good food, meaningful conversations, self-care activities, lessons, laughter and tears, goodbyes and hellos. With that, here's to onwards and upwards with the speed bumps in between.
Questions:
What was the high and low of 2017 for you?
What are some of your intentions for 2018?
What are you looking forward to either in the immediate or not so near future?
