2017 was an amazing year for me, I turned 23, graduated from university, took up residency in New York, did a 12+ hour road trip alone, made my first large sale, was accepted into StarWorks, got a job in my field, my work was shown in both publications and shows, and most importantly I took huge leaps of faith. Which either landed me on my ass or on my feet but every time there was a lesson that I learned AND applied to my life. This year definitely taught me more things about myself than any other time in my life has. Here are 16 things 2017 has taught me, about myself:
#1. I am enough, nothing or no one can devalue me or change who I am. I am a strong, smart, sensual woman.
#2. I am not invincible. I will die one day, and simply existing is not enough for me. I need more from life and I want to be in good health while doing it.
#3. I am allowed to say no without making excuses or being guilt tripped for putting my foot down. My no, means no. And that is okay.
#4. I am not responsible for anyone’s mistakes or behaviors but my own. I can only offer my best advice and hope for the best but I need to stop repeating that advice when it is not taken the first and third time.
#5. I am allowed to give myself breaks from people, things, and environments. I am no good to anyone if I am drained.
#6. I actually do have enough time and I need to be a better steward of my time. Speaking of time, my time belongs to ME. I choose what I want to do with it.
#7. I have learned how mercurial intimate relationships are and how selfishly people approach them, but my choosing to have a certain degree of standards as to how I allow people to approach and treat me IS a means of self care.
#8. I am under no obligation to answer anyone’s texts, calls, or any form of communication immediately (or ever) unless I want to.
#9. I should get more comfortable with myself, my feelings, and my body.
#10. I inspire people and my place in this world matters.
#11. Sometimes my memory is really awful. (Sorry to anyone who’s name I forgot, who’s birthday I forgot, who’s email I forgot to reply and so forth. I promise, it’s not you it’s me.)
#12. I am terrified of the future and where I will be at 30 but that does not and should not stop me from looking forward to it.
#13. I’ve learned to let go of things that are out of my control and move forward. However, I still need to work on the worrying part of things.
#14. Sometimes, there are things I need to apologize for but there are things that I should not. Standing up for myself and others is one of those things.
#15. People can be well-meaning and kind, but that doesn’t mean we will vibe on the same frequency. I do not have to stay in relationships or friendships with people that I do not or no longer connect with and I shouldn’t have to apologize for that or feel remorseful for it either.
#16. I am in a good place in my life and I am loving every moment of my process.
Okay 2018, I am ready for you.
Thanks to everyone who took part in making this year great, to the lessons it has taught me, and to those who have taken the time to listen. In the mean time tell me how your year went, did you learn anything new about yourself in 2017? What goals did you set and accomplish this year? Any resolutions for the upcoming year? Tell me!
Happy Holidays, everyone! Let’s see what 2018 has in store for each of us!
Image: Salem Art Works, Campsite