The Best Of 2019
What a year.
While I’m a huge believer in the idea that we’re constantly evolving as people, and we don’t need to wait for a certain point in time to experience growth, there is something so refreshing about hitting that mental refresh button at the beginning of each new year. I love setting positive intentions for the new year and reflecting on the previous… and as 2019 comes to an end, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you’re probably aware of the fact that I went through a rough patch, which was followed by a lot of moving around. My decision to take a medical leave of absence from college back in 2017 prompted me to make a radical change in my life and move across the country to New York. It was there that I attended a different University for my sophomore year of college. While I loved my time in New York, I knew in my heart that I wasn’t in the right place and after a year, I decided to move back to Los Angeles. 2018 was all about settling in; nurturing friendships and creating a home for myself. After moving around so much over the past few years, I was craving a sense of certainty and stability, and I knew that establishing a strong home base was the best way to do so.
And this brings me to 2019.
2019 has without a doubt been one of the best years. Over the course of this year, I’ve grown into a stronger, more confident person and I’ve learned to trust my own intuition. For me, 2019 was the year of not giving a fuck (excuse the french); the year of doing things differently, because it’s what felt right to me. 2019 was the year of saying yes to opportunities that I normally would have turned down, and the year of figuring things out as I went… making it work.
So, with that said, here’s the best of 2019…
Got a Job
Sounds a bit boring — I know. But this truly has been a highlight of my year. At the end of January, I was presented with what seemed like a tough decision at the time. I had the opportunity to join a sorority or to accept a job offer as a marketing assistant at an LA-based company. Obviously, I went for the latter, and I haven’t looked back since. Taking this job was scary, and I knew that by doing so, I’d be giving up a traditional college experience in many ways. But I also knew that this opportunity was unique and that I’d have so much to take away from it. I’ve learned to work through a busy schedule, and I’ve learned to be productive with my time. Most importantly, I’ve gained both confidence and clarity through working. I’ve learned so much about the industry that I hope to continue working in when I graduate, and I’ve become so much more confident in my own ability to execute my dreams.
Visited China
In March, I visited China for the first time. One of my closest friends attends a University in Shanghai, so I’ve toyed around with the idea of visiting for years. Truth be told, I really didn’t think that it was going to happen though. Aside from logistical factors, traveling halfway around the world by myself scared me to be quite honest. But as the opportunity to do so presented itself, I knew that I couldn’t turn it down… and I’m so glad that I didn’t. This trip was nothing short of incredible. I had the best time exploring Shanghai and Beijing with one of my best friends, and am inspired to travel more in the New Year.
Moved (again!)
In May, I moved yet again. Knowing that I would be working full time over the summer, and would go back to part-time when school started up again, I wanted to move a little bit closer to my office. So, I decided to ditch the Marina Del Ray bubble, and move to a different part of town. Doing so allowed me to get to know this city even more, and explore parts of LA that were completely foreign to me prior to moving. While I still frequent on the West Side, I’ve really enjoyed my new neighborhood.
Summer in the Hamptons
After a really busy winter and spring, I was able to take a little break and head over to the Hamptons for a week to spend time with family and friends. This week was spent almost entirely by the pool, earbuds in, book in hand and I wouldn’t have done it any other way. I was definitely in need of some r&r and felt completely reset and rejuvenated after this trip.
Blogged Lots
Aside from work, one of my goals this summer and fall was to start being more consistent with my blog and to come out with content that I was both passionate about and proud of. Rather than writing what I thought everyone wanted to read, I started focusing on what I was excited about. Doing so was a little bit scary at first, and I’m still working on establishing my voice on this platform, but the entire experience has been so fun and rewarding.
Ended The Year With Family & Friends
I was overwhelmed with gratitude this holiday season, as I got to spend both Thanksgiving and Christmas with my entire family. Coming from a large family who is spread out coast to coast, getting everyone together is pretty tricky. But this year we managed to do it, and it meant the world to me. I started off in San Fransisco for Thanksgiving and then spent Christmas in Sun Valley. This holiday season was filled with so much love; I wouldn’t have wanted to spend it any other way.
Finally, I flew back to Los Angeles just in time for the New Year, so that I could spend it with friends. In the past, I’ve spent New Year’s Eve with family in Sun Valley, so it was so fun doing something different this year. What a way to start off the New Year.
