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.
This is so inspiring. But I would be so afraid to do this. So freaking afraid.
And I was too, but with great risk comes great reward!
Wow. That’s the only word that comes to mind, though it seems incredibly inferior to convey the feelings of joy, awe, and, I hesitantly admit…envy, that your amazing experiences over the past six months evoked in me. What courage, determination and faith you showed, and I applaud you. Check that, a standing ovation is definitely in order here! Bravo! You are an inspiration to those of us who have yet to follow our bliss; your adventurous spirit has inspired me today, and for that, I thank you. God bless, Godspeed. May you and yours have a year that rivals the previous one.
Thank you. Such kind words! It really did take quite a bit of courage and perhaps twice as much uncharacteristic recklessness in me.
But the saying that you must do something you haven’t done to achieve what you haven’t is true. Give it a shot, even on a small scale. If you throw your full weight behind it, your 2016 could be the best year you ever had.
Thanks for dropping by. I hope to see you soon again. 🙂
I’m trying to get caught up on all the posts I’ve missed over the holiday season. What a six months you have had! Here’s to the next six, and even the six after that!
Hi Wade! I was wondering when you’d drop by. Glad to know you were too busy to keep up this holiday, and no, I’m not being sarcastic. Holidays shouldn’t be spent in front of the computer screen!
And yes, I have had quite a 2015, and looking forward to an amazing 2016 – both halves! haha. I hope you have an amazing year also. 🙂
Cheers to that!