Last December, I published a blog post referencing some of the accomplishments and exciting things I had done throughout the previous year. I also listed some things I would like to accomplish in the year following.
Here is that list:
"In the next twelve months...
I hope to bungee jump or sky dive
I will graduate college
I hope to move to a new location
I hope to continue trying new foods
I hope to change my hair style
I hope to make new friends
I hope to travel somewhere I've never been (hopefully multiple places)
I hope to take a vacation to somewhere warm
I hope to have a new job
I hope to lose 40 lbs
I hope to have an even stronger love for my boyfriend
I hope to continue learning and growing as a person
But most of all, I hope to maintain a sense of adventure and enthusiasm for life
I hope to continue surrounding myself with those who matter most
And keep pushing forward towards my goals.
Happy New Year!"
Well, it's one year later and I wish I could say I've been able to cross all of these off my list, but I really can't. I've only truly accomplished a select few. However, there are a many that I've made progress toward, and I'm happy with progress.
I took this summer by storm. I was extremely spontaneous. I removed my focus from the boundaries of my comfort zone, and instead...simply focused on things I wanted to do and how I was going to do them.
It wasn't bungee jumping and it wasn't skydiving...but it was pretty much the thrill I was seeking. While spending time at "America's Roller Coast" (Cedar Point - Sandusky, OH), my friend Dan and I lost our marbles and took on the SlingShot. This little contraption is nothing more than two bucket seats with chest harnesses, attached to two gigantic bungee cords, one on either side. The tension in the cords builds up and then BAM, you're being flung 360 feet in the air at 62 mph.
My not-so-daring friends took a nice little video for us. Click here if you'd like to see it.
It may not be a "new" location, but it's still a relocation. I'm living back in my hometown, which is so very different than it was when I moved away in 2009. It's busier, roads have been widened, new fitness centers and shopping centers have popped up...its quite the bustling area these days. While its great for the city, I can't say I enjoy the traffic.
I'm always actively looking to try new foods, I don't think I'll ever get tired of that game.
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| I've had calamari rings, before. But this is a WHOLE octopus. And I ate it. |
In August, I dyed my hair for the first time in my entire life. I didn't go crazy or anything - no purple, thank goodness. I simply added a subtle blonde ombré to lighten it up. I fear, however, that I've only awakened the beast. I may be seeking out a new winter look, soon!
I've been much more open to venturing out with new people. I'm fairly proud of myself in how much I've put myself out there. With each new person I meet, it get's a little easier to be myself in situations I once found uncomfortable.
I visited and hiked the Pictured Rocks National Shoreline with my sister. I actually have been there as a child, but I don't remember it (and apparently we took a boat tour, in lieu of hiking.) So, as far as I'm concerned, it's somewhere new to me.
I got a new job! But you can read my earlier posts about that - I won't bore you with details, here.
While still a far cry from my goal weight-loss of 40 lbs, I am down, at this point, 15 lbs exactly.
I've joined a co-ed recreational soccer team, snagged a spot on a bowling league and scored myself a gym membership. I don't really waste much of my time sitting around. I'm usually doing this or working on that - so excessive snacking doesn't really find its way into my day. I've reduced my portion sizes (I seriously cannot comprehend how I was ever able to eat so much food in one sitting before, I simply can't do it, anymore). I've been extremely absent from the gym for the past month, which I'm not happy about. However, even without the gym, I've still been losing weight due to my diet and lifestyle changes. December is a busy month, so I'll set my next short-term goal for January. We'll call it 'Gyming in January'. I like it.
That boyfriend I mentioned, he's out of the picture now. But I've found a very intense love for life, friendship, family and adventure in his place and I couldn't be happier.
Of course, some of these goals will be a continued work-in-progress for 2015. And, not to anyone's surprise, I'm sure - I've got some new goals to add to the list.
I want to wake up when my first alarm goes off, not after I've hit snooze 6 times.
I want to be more vocal about my desire to move forward at work - I'm ready to learn new things.
I need to start kicking my MOH duties into high-gear. It's not always about me.
I've got 5 classes left! Once I have my loan to the university paid off, I need to register for them.
And then I want to absolutely rock those classes. I want to finish stronger than ever before.
I've received a lot of support over the past 5 months. Aside from finding myself and having as much fun as possible, I owe it to those who have helped me to succeed. I want to give it all I've got to make them proud. I know I can do it, but the key is wanting it.
While none of the things on these lists are huge or life-altering, they are important to me. Each of of these things lends insight and puts me one step closer to leading an inspiring life. I don't necessarily mean to inspire other people, everyone has their own goals and desires. I just want to lead myself toward happiness, so that I may be better company to those around me, so that I may have more to offer in times of need and so that I can feel that my time on this earth was meaningful. And if, by sharing my experiences, triumphs, failures and reflections, I am able to inspire others - even better.
I absolutely believe in this saying: "To love others, you must first love yourself."
I just want to be the best human I can be, lend well to this world and be a pleasure to those around me. I want to be able to offer support where it is needed and know to keep quiet where it is not. I want to be a caring friend, a thoughtful daughter, a capable business woman and a patient companion. And when the time comes, I hope to use all that I've learned in these many roles to be a loving, nurturing mother and wife.
I want to be as steady as possible in my own life, so that when it comes to giving back, helping others, being a daughter and a sister and, in time, raising a family...I know I will be able.
