It’s not the end of the year just yet, but this is the last post I’ll make for 2015. So as the sun sets on the past, let me share some parting wisdom to take us into 2016.
Last night, while deleting some old pictures, I found this one. A blurry shot taken with a budget smartphone – it hardly looks like much. Yet, it was exactly what I needed to see.
What’s so special about this picture?
Well… those were the three suitcases (and laptop bag) I fit my entire life into after giving away, bartering, and selling everything in my apartment. After years of acquiring furniture, keeping sentimental items, and working hard to satisfy the tech-geek in me, this was all I had left of it.
Thus – this blurry picture packed quite the punch when I saw it.
It reminded me of just how very little we need to get by as humans, versus all the items we tend to stack up in our homes for alleged comfort. It also reminded me of how excited and nervous I was – knowing I had taken a huge risk and having no idea where it would take me.
In short: it reminded me of where this all started on June 30, 2015
Since then, I somehow managed to achieve almost all the things I set out to do. I say ‘almost’ because I didn’t finish the last novel of my series and didn’t master Spanish like I planned. Still, I achieved so many other things that in the wake of triumph it’s hard to beat myself up over tiny shortcomings.
What did I do exactly?
I saw more of my tiny island before I kissed it goodbye, and heard more of my grandmother’s stories about my family’s mixed heritage.
Then ran off to the Big Apple.
Tried my feet at climbing with Spider Man:
Took a road trip to (and from) Illinois…
…and Iowa.
Had great food!
Bettered my photography ‘skills’.
Enjoyed my very first Halloween:
Started my own freelance business:
Believe it or not:
all that happened in the past six months.
I point that out to remind people that a lot can change in six months or a year, if we put the effort into making it happen. For me, it took giving up everything I had worked hard to build to encourage me to fight tooth and nail for a better life.
I wouldn’t encourage everyone to take that route. It was a hell of a risk, and though I came out of it a much better person, living the life I always dreamed of, I didn’t come out unscathed.
Instead, I encourage you to really take a look at the lives you’ve lived this year and identify all the things you want to change. From that list, select all the things you actually can change. You might not be able to take them all on, but pick a thing (or two… or three… or more!) that you can focus on for 2016.
Then comes the hard part:
Actually sticking with it!
My 2015 resolution was to take risks and embark on a big adventure. I did exactly that. I’m not sure what 2016 will hold, but I’m sure I’ll have a hell of a time trying to top 2015. In any event:
Have a great year guys!
May 2016 see you in high spirits and bring you success and happiness.
