Reflection on 2017
It's weird to reflect on a year where so much has happened and trying to comprehend it all is a task in itself. For me, this year was one of the busiest and craziest years to date: I was in my senior year, I was running a magazine, I took a break from rugby, I graduated, I moved back home, and I went to live in a different country alone. So, to say answering these questions were easy is the understatement of the year.
The moment I finally finished this long-overdue questionnaire, I was proud of myself and my potential, but I also saw areas where I need to keep on growing. And, that's why life is and will always be a work in progress.
What was the biggest change I made within the last year?
moving to a different country for an extended amount of time.
What were my top three personal and professional accomplishments within the last year?
Winning second place in the nation for reporter of the year, graduating college, courage to travel alone. How did they make me feel? Amazed. I never thought I could and would actually do it.
What were three of my biggest personal or professional challenges?
Being without my best friends, going back home, learning to push through hard times (professionally). How did I feel when I was faced with a challenge? For some reason, all of these effected me in very different ways, but I let my emotions take the best of me and I felt terrible.
What was the most important lesson I learned this year?
Nothing lasts forever so do/go after what makes me happy at that time and live.
When did I feel happiest? What happened?
Every moment when I would hang out with my best friends, doing absolutely nothing, but laughing and doing stupid shit with.
When did I feel saddest? What happened?
There was a point in Argentina where I was just done and wanted to go home but I knew I couldn't yet.
What are three long-term goals I want to work towards? What are three concrete steps I can take towards accomplishing each goal?
Become an executive of a company, live right next to the beach, visit all seven continents. Take full and complete action and just do it now, rather than wait till forever.
What are three short-term goals I want to work towards? What are three concrete steps I can take towards accomplishing each goal?
Landing a job in NYC, going to New Zealand this year, making new friends. Working toward what I want and calling/emailing as many times as needed. Actually planning and booking early on. Putting myself out there and not being afraid to be myself.
What are my top three goals for relationships, personal development, and professional development?
Putting myself out there, going after what I want, not being afraid of over communicating because you never know anything until it's said.
What is something I feel guilty about? Is there anything I can do to feel less guilty? Nothing.
What am I grateful for right now?
A lot.
Who are the top five people I spend the most time with? What do I love about them?
I love them because they effect me differently and teach me to be a better person in different ways.
What am I anxious or apprehensive about?
What direction my life is going in and where I'll be.
Where do I want to be this time next year?
Living/working in New York.
Which friendships make me feel the happiest and most empowered? Are there any friendships that leave me feeling sad, self-conscious, or disappointed?
My college best friends and a few others. No.
How can I be kinder to myself and others?
Be more considerate + listen
What is holding me back? my own doubt. What are some things that are limiting me from accomplishing what I want to accomplish?
I sometimes doubt my ability and what I can do.
Am I spending my time wisely? How can I spend my time better?
Right now, not entirely. However, I am working toward a goal and putting all my focus onto it.
What are three ways I can step out of my comfort zone?
Take more chances, take up people on their offers, say yes more.
What are three things that make me the most stressed or anxious?
rejection and self-doubt. Is there anything I can do to alleviate that stress? Act confident and don't even care about others because everyone really just cares about themselves.
What are three things that make me feel the most relaxed and happy?
the beach, surrounded by the people I love, and laughing with those I love. How can I do more of that!? Just be present and make it happen, although some don't come around all the time so it's about taking advantage of the time i have and enjoying every bit of it.
What can I do to feel more confident, self-assured, and happier?
Actually practice self-love daily, rather than when I'm feeling good.