The fact of the matter is, everyone is pretty much done saying goodbye to 2015 and saying hello to the new year. But for me, I'm not quite done giving 2015 a send-off just yet.
It needs a proper "auf Wiedersehen." Well, at least for me.
2015 was the "Year of Change." And man, change it did. For the good and sometimes for the bad. But with every life hurdle I faced in 2015, I learned some really fucking amazing lessons.
I started off 2015 optimistic – per usual. Ready to kick more ass at my previous job, be a better friend, better girlfriend, citizen of San Francisco, and everything in between.
And for the most part, I achieved a lot of those things. I volunteered at some amazing places in San Francisco. I planed trees with my fellow Vayner colleagues in the Sunset district of San Francisco. We helped feed those less fortunate at the SF-Marin Food Bank. And we were in talks of doing Habitat for Humanity – that's still on my docket, however.
I worked at a company I loved (and still love) with some of the most insanely talented and brilliant individuals. I'm in awe of the magic that happens when you believe in your colleagues turned friends turned family. For the first time, I didn't want to just invest in my career, but the career of others. For me, that's what makes me feel alive. Can you imagine what the world would be like if people just fucking believed in one another?
I'd like to say I was a better friend, but that'd seem only one-sided. So, I'd urge you to ask 'em for yourself. I think I was and I hope they'd say yes, too.
And of course, as some relationships thrive, some don't. And it's sad. And it's bittersweet. And you learn and grow from them. I ended a really, really long relationship this year that I learned so much from. A lot about myself, how I react to things, and what I need to give in a relationship and what I need to receive.
Along with personally, I also learned a lot about myself professionally. Like I mentioned in this post, I had to understand that jobs don't define your character the hard way. I went through a pretty rough patch and luckily my beautiful friends and family were there to pick me up when I was most down. I don't think they've ever seen me like that, but hearing their words of encouragement meant the world.
And just like that, my world was turned upside down (again) when I received the opportunity to freelance at Pinterest that became a full-time opportunity. I feel like I'm in a dream because never in a million years did I think life would pan out this way, but I'm pretty damn happy it did.
Leading up to the new year, I talked to a specific person about resolutions. We chatted about dreams, interests, hopes, and the opportunities that lie ahead.
He left me with a statement, a resolution if you will, to "let happiness win" in 2016. I found it beautifully simple, but so important.
And with that, I want to choose it and let it happen. I want to let happiness win, now and always.
Cheers!