It's Resolution Season, kids. I can't believe 2022 is in only 2 days! Do you have your resolutions set? I don't - couldn't be me. But for real, y'all...
It’s been a long year and I’m not sure I’m ready for another one. I had every intention of writing this blog about my New Year’s resolutions, but I’ve struggled to feel inspired. Why? Maybe it’s the new Covid variant, the weight of this never-ending pandemic, or it's just that strange time of year when I can't even tell you what day it is much less my plans for a new year; who can even focus? Instead of feeling like a failure because I'm unprepared for 2022, I'm going to focus on the big events of my 2021 because I didn't make resolutions this year either and it turned out alright...
Are You Ready For the Sequel?
Well, let's start with the pit; shall we? I promise, there are a lot of peaks. I was laid off from my job earlier this year. I know this isn’t a unique experience; the pandemic took no prisoners and a lot of people were suddenly unemployed. I remember I was visiting family when I got the call. I can't say I was completely surprised, but it was disappointing nonetheless. I was fortunate to receive a severance package (thanks to a friend and his stellar negotiation skills) that allowed me to spend my unemployment applying, interviewing, and manifesting my next opportunity. Say what you will about that last part, but the universe always provides. It took a few months, but I got a new job - an opportunity I had dreamed of. I joined a company that I have aspired to for years and it was well worth the wait. I’m empowered, supported, encouraged, and appreciated, all the while working for a cause I’m passionate about. For the first time in a long time, I’m learning at work. It’s an exciting feeling to expand my abilities, albeit a little overwhelming, but I feel productive and capable for the first time in quite awhile. I’ve worked incredibly hard in the last decade to earn my MBA, change industries, and work my way up the corporate ladder. It has not been easy and there were plenty of times when I thought I was on the wrong track, but I’ve trusted the universe and it hasn’t failed me yet. If you had asked me in January where my career was headed, this would have been my first wish and last guess. Cheers to hard work paying off!
Ain't You Ready For the Latest?
Dating, quite frankly, sucks. I’ve spent the last decade on and off dating apps, with a few failed relationships in the mix. Dating became a sort-of “keeping up with the Joneses” activity for me, at least in hindsight. Seeing everybody have a somebody made me feel like a nobody and lonely can be a desperate place. Did I really like these guys or did I really dislike being alone? And if I didn’t like being alone... why? So, I just stopped chasing. Forced my own hand on that whole alone thing, but I'm glad I did. I haven’t been on an app or a date in over half the year - and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I realized I really like the life I've built and was putting energy into others when I should be putting it into myself. Because I really, really like me and I deserve it. I deserve to go on dates and be spoiled and love myself. Why was I waiting on someone else to do those for me? It's been a year of acceptance and forgiveness and reflection and contentment. I don't miss the dating apps. I believe that when the time is right, the universe will provide; she always does. In the meantime, I have a great plus one for brunch dates.
In the Garden of Evil
At my last appointment, my surgeon told me that a full recovery would take time; he wasn’t kidding. Most days I feel good, but laying in a hospital bed for over a month took a significant toll on my physicality. I survived a major medical emergency, but there’s a lot of lingering physical trauma you just can’t anticipate. This has made getting back into “shape” very frustrating. My mobility, strength, and endurance were virtually non-existent when I was discharged and though I was out of the hospital, I was not out of the woods. I felt disheartened in the beginning of the year even though I was living on my own again; disappointed in my lack of ability and fearful that I may never regain what I lost. Insert two perpetual puppies. If I haven’t said it yet, I am so thankful for my dogs. I’ve walked them almost every day in 2021 and took enough yoga and strength classes to make the Peloton Century Club. This time last year I could barely walk up a flight of stairs by myself; a few Saturdays ago, I walked 10K with my dogs for fun. I’m not finished, but this is enough progress to celebrate.
I'm Gonna Be the Greatest
Speaking of celebrating, I think I will; I’m in Park City to ring in the new year. 2021 was a year of growth for me on so many levels but if you don’t stop to look around every once and awhile, you might not realize just how far you've come. I’ve said before that to know where you’re going you have to reflect on where you’ve been. Thanks for joining me on the look back. I’m ending this year on a thankful note; for hard work, peaceful solitude, and puppy power. Wishing you all the best as this year comes to a close and we welcome anew - hey look y’all, we made it! Cheers!