My New (26th) Year Resolution

Today is my 26th birthday. In previous years, this is an intense time of self-reflection. Usually there’s some kind of full moon, or some wildly meaningful personal experience that transpired to cause a monumental change in my perspective on life.

Year 23

It’s difficult to remember year 23, it seems like so long ago. I was still working at my first agency, so I must have done something fun with them. My early twenties was focused on developing my social abilities and friendships as I’ve always been a terribly awkward person when I’m around new people, and still am. I’m just a bit better at hiding it.

Year 24
 
The year before I was having an existential crisis. I was working at a pharma marketing agency and it was literally eating away at my soul. I won’t enumerate the many things that bothered me about working there, but I had taken the opportunity as a test because it was so far outside of what I wanted to do and what I was used to. 

It taught me a lot, and it showed me I’m capable of meeting new professional challenges, as well as discovering the most lovely, hilarious good friends, even (or especially) trapped in a windowless room with them.

That was a pivotal year – year 24. I started my sketchook that year, and wrote some of the most powerfully inspirational words that I still draw strength from to this day. 

Year 25
 
Last year, I embraced my own company. I went to Montreal on my own, stayed with friends of course and spent time with great people, but I also spent a lot of time by myself, enjoying my own company.
In fact, I spent the greater part of the previous year on my own, and I hope I never forget that I am capable, both functionally and emotionally that this is something that I can live with. It is something that was in itself peacefully enjoyable and at times hilarious. SATC calls it “Secret Single Behaviour”, which when said aloud sounds silly, but here’s a list of mine:

Waking up at weird hours (usually anytime between 2-5 AM) to start watching a movie, TV show, read a book, write on my blog, check Facebook, make a snack, write a letter.

Actually that kind of sums it up. Everything else was pretty normal: taking long walks or bike rides along the beach, getting groceries, making meals, cleaning (sometimes).

Year 26
 
So 26… 26… I think this is a stepping stone year. I’m back in school in some ways – back on the pole, taking classes at Ryerson, and teaching myself how to stay in shape. It’s so so true what they say – your metabolism REALLY changes after you turn 25! Admittedly I’ve made changes to my lifestyle (i.e. location) that makes it difficult for me to walk and ride my bike as often as I used to, but additionally, it seems like I’ve put on a few extra layers I never really thought possible on myself.

So year 26 will be about discipline. And confidence – trusting my instincts and not worrying much about my ability to do things; instead focusing on my commitment to go through with them.

And to top it off, I have a goal – my first ever short-term goal. Buying a house was never a goal for me. And goodness knows in my line of work, you can only ever hope for the best. 

My goal for 2012/2013 is to take a year Sabbatical and travel around the world with my partner, gain work experience internationally, and just have the time of my life.

So 26 will be a very big year because it’s the first step towards some very serious ambitions. I know that there will be times when life is exhausting, and it will seem so much easier to settle. But I need to trust myself to see past the daily grind and keep my eye on the prize.

Wish me luck!