Here’s to 2015: the year to me.
2015 began, and I made a resolution to myself. I would dedicate the next year to myself. 2015 would be all about me discovering who I am.
As the year wraps up, I am realizing how important the past year has been. In dedicating a year to myself, I grew as a person and discovered what was truly important to me.
A year to one’s self merely requires taking a step back from life to make changes where you are unhappy and create new opportunities.
Here is my year to me.
I began by up lifting my roots and leaving my small town. I ventured towards unknown territory. Mid-school year, I transferred to the University of Kansas, where I would discover new aspects to shape who I am.
Moving to a new place can be scary, I will admit. I had to constantly remind myself to step out of my comfort zone. Every day, I told myself to be bold and do something spontaneous. Yes, this led to some crazy situations. But many times, it led to lasting memories.
I never would have thought I would have made my best friend just by starting a conversation with a girl because we were both waiting in the same line one day. I found myself interested in new hobbies, like writing and art. And I never would have thought I would get my nose pierced if my roommate hadn’t convinced me to do it when I came back to the dorms, sedated from visiting the dentist.
New Years Resolution: don’t be afraid to go someplace new. Make a clean state. Never turn down the opportunity to try something new.
In dedicating a year to myself, I had an internal battle with myself on dating. I told myself a year to myself is not truly a year to myself if I date someone. How could I love someone if I didn’t know who I was? So I didn’t. However, I did experience what it means to love freely.
During my year, I met a boy, and up front, we knew we wouldn’t date. But as our friendship became closer, he taught me how to love freely and care deeply for a person.
The most important thing he taught me is to embrace yourself. There is no need to put up a front for someone. This was the first time I felt I could truly be myself and not be ashamed. From then on out, I learned to never hide or alter my weird, quirky, personality from a guy — or anyone.
He taught me someone could love and care for me as I am. And that’s all I needed.
New Years Resolution: don’t settle for someone who you have to act around. Always be 110 percent you.
I will admit, during my year of me, I did travel overseas. What I experienced and learned there was priceless.
My family and I took a trip to Ireland. Although I could speak endlessly on the beautiful landscape and frothy beer, I took away something not labeled in the brochures.
Enjoy the company you are with. Something that caught my eye was how friendly people were in Ireland. People weren’t constantly consumed in their phones or tablets. Instead, they were enjoying the company around them and the moment they were living in.
Ten days with your family packed into a small European car can become overwhelming at times, but I won’t forget the memories we shared.
New Years Resolution: if at all possible, place yourself where the culture has a change of pace. Take a step back from the constant rush of life and enjoy the moments you are currently living.
A year to you is all about discovering you.
Take as many risks as possible.
Try to do at least one spontaneous act every day.
Never be afraid to start the conversation.
And don't look back until you've figured out where you're going.
The best part about dedicating a year to yourself is that the year is never really over. I'm still taking risks, loving freely, and wanting to go to new places. After this year, I have a better understanding of who I am, or at least who I aspire to be.
Life Resolution: do something new every day. You'll never stop discovering who you are.
