Every year the week between Christmas and New Years I take some time to reflect on the year past and the year to come. It typically comes with happy tears, sad tears, a lot of laughs, some frustration and anger, but always filled with a whole lotta love. Looking back on another year forces me to think of where I have come, how we have grown and what still lies ahead.
This year has been filled with such a mix of emotion. I recently looked back on the goals I had set for this year. And at first, it filled me with sadness and disappointment. There were so many things I had put on this list that didn’t get accomplished. Actually all of them. Not one thing on my list got checked off. Things that once January was here and gone, were even forgotten about. But then I looked at this list a little deeper, and I saw that maybe not everything got checked off the to-do list, but that there were so many things, that had me closer to my goals.
This year I had focused on self reflection and self care. Although, not always perfect, I have come leaps and bounds from where I was this time last year. I learned the importance of making time for myself. Weather that be going to the gym, journaling, getting lost in a good book, taking long walks or just treating myself to a spa day, I made more time for me. I learned to say “no” to things that didn’t fill me up, and said “yes” to things that did.
I’ve also learned to appreciate the things that I have, more than desire the things I don’t. But this hasn’t come easy. I’ve always been one to compare my journey to others. This year I really focused on looking at my path and appreciating the pace that I go at. I’ve learned to celebrate all the victories, no matter how big or how small. I’ve also learned that putting very big goals down on paper, doesn’t make them happen. But a whole lot of work and grit have to come with it. I’ve learned that I need discipline and focus while also allowing myself some grace. I’ve learned that big goals don’t happen overnight and there are a lot of little milestones along the way. I’ve learned that with each big audacious goal I put down on paper, comes 10 smaller goals to get me there. I’ve learned that not achieving everything on my list, doesn’t come with failure, but that it comes with more focus. More focus on the small victories.
This year, my goals look a lot different than last. They aren’t all big audacious goals, but smaller ones that will lead to the big. I also quit putting timelines on my goals. Sure there are things that I want to achieve in a certain amount of time but putting that restriction on myself, often lead to more frustration. This year I am putting myself all in. I am working towards my dreams, but at my pace and on my terms.
I hope that in the New Year, you take some time to look back on your life, and your dreams. Are you working towards them, or just sitting back and hoping they come true? I may not have accomplished what I had set out to do this time last year, but I am a whole lot closer! And for that, I need to be proud. I stepped out of my comfort zone in more ways than one. Which lead me to open doors that I didn’t existed. It lead me to new friendships and more self reflection. It lead me to personal and professional growth. But most importantly, it lead me closer to my dreams!
From me to you, thank you for being here. The support means the world and I cant wait to see what 2020 has in store! So cheers to a new year, a new decade and a future full of possibilities!
Much Love,
Shan
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