I've finally stopped trying to make New Year's resolutions as I tend to only disappoint myself partway through the year. So, instead, I will take some of my first waking moments in 2008 to reflect on how I changed and grew in 2007. (Wow, I still can't quite believe it's over.) Around Christmas, I started really thinking about what of significance happened in 2007 and a few things popped into my mind.
Perhaps the most drastic change was professionally. I'm still in the same position I was at the beginning of 2007, but I have grown leaps and bounds in my professional life. I'm not entirely sure if I can describe this change in words. I just have such a greater understanding of marketing than I had last year as well as experience working at every level in a small non-profit to implement it. I'm also learning, gradually, how to successfully operate in the professional world -- how to make valuable connections with people in the professional realm, how to negotiate business and bring people into your circle to both advance your mission and theirs. Seemingly basic skills, but I can feel how invaluable they will be to me for a lifetime.
I also had the opportunity to take a non-profit gala-esque event from start to finish. Although it wasn't quite as successful as I had first hoped, I'm proud of working through all of the planning, negotiation and execution of that event. Event planning is labor intensive, but I really enjoy it.
On a more personal note, though, I finally started being aggressive about paying down my debts. It feels so good to be moving toward greater fiscal responsibility.
My greatest achievement this year, though, is somewhat intangible, but was a great breakthrough for me. I finally figured out how to spend time with my family (esp. at home in PA) in a way that is enjoyable and meaningful without the frustrating feeling that I don't belong. I realized that when I go to spend time with my family, I just have to drop my usual life and be entirely in the moment. The last few times I've seen my parents and my brother (& his family), it's been really great. When I allow myself to just be a part of their life and realize that relationship is so much more about them than about me, it's suddenly a great time of discovering them in new and deeper ways and not at all about me maintaining whatever level of accomplishment, distance or "hipness" I fancy myself to have. My times with my family this year have been some of the most meaningful times of my life.
So, Happy New Year! Here's to all we will learn and experience in 2008!
1 comment:
Mmmk just had time to catch up on the blog since I left town.
You blog more when Im not there.
Regarding your new years post ... yeah, thats the thing about visiting family. You have to stop trying to prove yourself. My family gets mad at me when i attempt to work while Im there... but think about it, they've known you you're entire life. They are your roots. We are already convinced that you are hip, why not just embrace where you came from and who you are while home?
as a side note: i am not from idaho. i embrace california much better.
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