Introduction
Happy New Year, friends! As I begin to type my first blog post of the year, it is a pivotal moment, a benchmark to reflect on where I am today, how I arrived here, and the exciting path I envision for the future. The year 2023 marked a profound journey of self-discovery. Entering the year, I grappled with uncertainty about my future, needing more drive towards my personal goals. My most significant growth times were when immersed in unfamiliar and uncomfortable situations. Solitude became a refuge for reflection and a catalyst for breaking out of my comfort zone as I realized that the power to save myself was my responsibility and no one else. Embracing change, I opened up to new relationships and surrounded myself with individuals who propelled me towards my aspirations. The transformative magic of 2023 remains a mystery. Whether it was the symbolic act of my iconic bob cut, the three-month escapade to Florida, or the joy of raising a puppy, Moose, on my own. Together, these experiences of 2023 have ignited a newfound excitement for the upcoming year, marking the debut of the authentic and empowered version of myself.
Personal Growth
After a year of growth, I am ready to sit back and savour the journey. The newfound sense of peace has allowed me to feel secure and believe in my ability to navigate life independently. These learning moments wouldn’t have happened without handling the growing pains of life. The challenges of my past provided the courage and determination to break free from the negative state I found myself in. March of 2023 marked a turning point, a moment of feeling defeated and weary of a repetitive and inescapable life.
Facing these challenges head-on became a catalyst for change. I recognized that my fears were mere reflections of my choices, and the power to transform my life rested solely with me. Taking a bold step, I moved away from home, changed my course of study, and embarked on a fresh start. Perhaps the most vital lesson learned was the need to live for myself rather than for others. As I enter 2024, my focus is clear, and I am ready to prioritize my passions without allowing external influences to hinder my path.
So, thank you, 2023, for the difficult lessons that paved the way for this newfound freedom. I am eager to embrace the opportunities of this brand new year and grateful for the chance to experience and appreciate life fully.
Transformations
In January of 2023, I dared to embrace change by cutting my hair into a bob style, something I had yet to embrace since 2012 and one I never thought I would revisit. Initially uncomfortable, as I settled into this new look and found confidence, I proudly began publicly showcasing it. This bob cut symbolized my growth journey. It coincided with my decision to move home, complete my first year of university online and then take up a job in a different country for three months while navigating a particularly dark period of my life. Life, however, progressed, and so did I. This shift allowed me to open myself up to new possibilities, especially being in an unfamiliar country where the absence of familiar faces compelled me to step out of my comfort zone. A special mention goes to Dug, my emotional support dog, who accompanied me on my adventure to Florida. Amidst the unfamiliar, he became my anchor, connecting me with others and making new friends easier.
As I approach 2024, I've added a playful touch to my appearance by getting extensions. I find myself at a point where I am genuinely content with who I am and the trajectory of my life, prompting the question, why not have some fun? Recognizing that life is not flawless and challenges will persist, I've learned from 2023 that embracing change and navigating through difficult times is essential for discovering one's true purpose. So, as I welcome the new year, I carry with me the lessons of resilience, self-discovery, and the understanding that, in life's imperfections, it's crucial to savour the little joys and relish the journey.
New Year, New Moose
Over the past year, I have witnessed my growth and enjoyed watching Moose, my energetic six-month-old Chihuahua, transform into a spirited teenager. Since our first meeting in September, I can't help but imagine how every new year will unfold with Moose by my side. He'll be there to witness my milestones and growth, and that's one of the best parts of having a pet: they're unwavering companions, always by your side. When I moved to Florida, my mom gifted me a sign that said, "Be the person your dog wants you to be." After experiencing the loss of Dug and now raising Moose, I've realized that we are our pets' entire world, and to them, we are their heroes. So, why not live up to that and be the best version of ourselves?
Dug would be proud of my strides, such as finishing the summer work in Florida, moving out alone, raising a dog, deciding to switch programs to pursue my dreams, and starting this blog. The future is uncertain, and who knows where I'll be next year, but one thing is for sure: Moose will be right there with me. On the flip side, I'm bracing myself for Moose's teenage antics that are starting to emerge. Despite his drama queen tendencies and the work he requires, it's all worth it. Moose is why I get out of bed each morning, motivated to tackle the day and take another step toward realizing my envisioned life.
Vision Boarding Through the Ages
If you've been following my blog, you might have read the one I dedicated to my mom and our childhood home on South Drive. My family is a bunch of creative folks, and they're the ones who inspired me to start this blog. My grandma introduced me to something called soul collages, which is like making a vision board. We flip through magazines, pick out pictures that mean something to us, and assemble them. I've been making art for a while now, and I love how it helps me think about my goals and feel empowered.
Recently, my mom found an old vision board of hers from when she was about my age. It was funny because all the pictures were of the so-called perfect family, a massive diamond ring, and the dream house. I teased her, joking that she didn't raise me to only go after what society expects. She taught me to follow my heart and chase my dreams. She's always been strong and independent, just like she raised me to be. Now that she's 50, her life doesn't match those pictures on her old vision board, but she's happy. She often tells me how she wished she had the same freedom to express herself when she was my age, and we both agree that we have a lot to learn from each other.
Creating My Vision Board
Many people have their rituals when the new year rolls around, whether it's making resolutions, engaging in religious rituals, participating in physical activities, or creating a vision board to set goals. As a visual learner, I begin my year with a vision board. Using technology as my handy tool, I gathered quotes that resonated with me and photos that brought me joy or aligned with my goals. I selected my favourite images from my curated Pinterest board to create a computer wallpaper. This way, whenever I open my computer, whether to write a blog or do school work, it motivates me to stay focused on pursuing my dreams.
Setting goals can take various forms. One alternative activity I engaged in was creating an ins and outs list. Whether writing yourself a letter or making a physical collage with images cut out from magazines, the key is choosing an approach that leaves a lasting impact, motivating you to work towards and achieve your goals. It's a gratifying feeling when you finally meet them.
