The start of another year always makes for a nice touch-base on the blog. It’s no coincidence that the past two weeks I’ve been “vacationing” in the midwest so I’ve had ample time to reflect back on the previous 12 months and rekindle my flame for writing. Let’s call it a temporary resurgence while I wind myself back into the norm of juggling the everyday chaos city-life loves to provide.
Looking back on 2015’s top-of-the-year post, last year’s supposed mantra was adventure. That didn’t really pan out the way I thought it would. I think a more appropriate theme would have been personal growth, and overall, I am at peace with how it and I evolved throughout the given 12 months.
In 2015 I…
- Made a conscious effort to work out more often and eat cleaner.
- Saw some kickass theatre.
- Saw some kickass comedy.
- Had three job interviews with the company of my dreams. After the first interview went poorly [for a position I was ultimately not offered], I drank a good amount of Jameson Black Barrel and was sure I forever lost my chance to get a foot in the door. Two months later, I started working for said company in a department and position which much better aligned with my long-term career goals.
- Dealt with a thing over the summer that was awful and painful and taught me yet another life lesson about letting go.
- Spent a relaxing long weekend in LA and a chaotic long weekend in DC .
- Watched five of my closest friends marry their soul mates at five beautiful weddings.
- Decided I’m content not being married right now.
- Traveled to Ohio seven times in five months.
- Saw one of my favorite musicians live, for the first time. Also, another first, attended a concert by myself.
- Hiked a mountain in the Hudson Valley and climbed a ski slope in Stratton, Vermont.
- Cooked and ate vegan food on Thanksgiving.
- Got glasses.
- Finally saw Tina Fey and Amy Poehler together in person.
- Made my first business trip to Miami.
- Won my fantasy football league championship. (#humblebrag)
- Spent time with aunts, uncles, and cousins I rarely get to see over the holidays.
- Danced myself into 2016 with my closest friends.
2015 was a year I said Yes more. It was a year I took chances. I told people how I felt, spent a lot of money on things and trips that felt right to me and realized I don’t regret any time I put myself out there. 2015 was good to me — I’d say I’m lucky, but these days I feel pretty confident that we create our own karma, happiness, success, or what have you.
I sense that 2016 will be amazing and tough. I have a lot of work to do professionally, and I’ve set some high goals for myself on a personal level. I anticipate more reading, writing, music, travel and work. I look forward to another challenging year of saying Yes, focusing on wellness, and keeping in better touch with my friends and family. Aside of maintaining all of that, here are a few additional personal (and random) resolutions I’ve set:
- Teach myself to play guitar.
- Learn conversational Spanish.
- Join a book club.
- Travel to the Pacific Northwest.
I’ve already sunk my teeth into some of these and am very much looking forward to tackling 2016 head-on. What are you planning to take on in 2016? Any resolutions as out there as mine?
Let’s conquer the world this year. Anyone with me?
Uptown Moxie 