A YEAR IN REVIEW: 2018
One reason why I really enjoy reflecting on this past year is the appreciation I gain from all that's happened. Too often, I tend to be remiss or forgetful of all the accomplishments and positivity this past year has brought. Of course, if December ends on a shaky note, it's only natural to go into the new year with a slightly bitter heart. The way I see it though is that to begin 2019 being hopeful and carefree, we should all be grateful of what 2018 has provided us with, may that be tangible goals or sheer lessons that didn't necessarily bring about a reason to be joyful.
Before flicking through my photos of 2018, I would have only been able to name a few of the great things that happened. And on the other hand, I think it's so special how we can look back on something like a getaway trip and remember only the good memories (I am sure there was something about the trip that wasn't perfect, like getting stuck in traffic). I suppose that's what so magical about reflecting - we tend to look at those pictures with a filter and remember the best of times. While my memories may to be as monumental as others, they're ones that either touched my heart or changed my life in some way. So let's reflect on my 2018 year!
MILESTONES OF 2018:
01. On January 3rd, we had our first (and only) snow of the season in Charleston, SC. In true southern fashion, roads and businesses were closed for days. As you may have guessed, we only got a few inches, but nonetheless, there's something magical about watching the snow sprinkle down to the ground under a streetlamp.. just ask Lorelai Gilmore.
02. At the end of May, Sarah and I took a day trip to Savannah, GA, which was so historic and quaint. It was only the second time either of us had a nosey around Savannah, so while we knew the basis of what was there, we still had a lot of exploring on our list. We walked around in the exhausting heat, taking shade under profound trees in historical squares, had a lush vegan lunch and sipped on refreshing ice water in an underground cafe with modern white finishes and rustic wood tabletops, admired one of the most exquisite churches in town, stood where Forest Gump was filmed and snapped lots of pictures along the way.
03. Sarah and I celebrated our birthdays in June and August, respectfully. I was treated to a lovely breakfast at a vegan cafe followed by a day's adventure at picturesque Middleton Place — a lush landscape garden beaming with flowers, animals, and rich history. For Sarah's birthday, we went to the Riverdogs minor league baseball game and had a lovely celebration with cake at home.
04. I surprised Sarah with concert tickets to the Reputation Stadium Tour in Philadelphia, PA. It was and will always be one of my favorite concerts being it was the first concert we attended together, but more so, the seats I chose were right beside the B-stage, meaning that when Taylor Swift came over to sing on that particular stage, we had a front-row standing spot. It was absolutely magical! Such a well put together concert and portrayed so seemingly effortlessly. I was in awe the whole time. It's one of those irreplaceable moments that can't be traded for anything in the world.
05. This was a big year for both Sarah and I life wise — we moved into a newer, more modern apartment with a corresponding environment that we are so thankful for and happy to be in. While we hired movers to carry bulky items, such as our couch and bed, Sarah and I did the majority of packing and hauling boxes up flights of stairs all by ourselves. I think it solidified our independence and we earned an appreciation for adulthood.
06. What a milestone year for me work wise — The majority of 2018, up until October, was spent searching, applying, and interviewing for countless job positions. In October of 2018, I secured a job with a nimble social media marketing company — something that has been on my "resolution list" for well over a year! If you asked me how I finally landed this coveted job, my initial answer would be, "I don't know." Most likely, it was earned by fate and perseverance. I am so grateful for this position and I have the opportunity to learn from talented women and enhance my social media content creation skills in a fast-paced environment — something I've been yearning to do for years! I feel so incredibly fortunate to be where I am work wise.
07. Sarah's step bother Erik and his now wife, Sarah, tied the knot on October 20th in Maryland! I was the first time I had been to a wedding as an adult, and it was such a memorable and sweet experience. Even though I didn't know Erik and Sarah in depth prior to the wedding, I feel closer to them after having attended the wedding and I'm still so happy for them! It was magical — an outdoor wedding, lake side, with a elegant mansion in the background as golden hour fell on their faces when they were reading their vows. The reception was no less lovely — held in a rustic barn with a classic wedding cake and a three course meal, followed by dancing and laughing.. so lovely.
08. This year was a year of realization for me in a couple ways — 01. I found out I have an anxiety disorder, which looking back on, I've undoubtedly had since I was child. While growing up in an environment where your parents encourage you to be tough and shake it off can be a very positive thing, it did cause me to believe that my feelings of anxiety were either just spells of lightheadedness or something everyone experienced on some level. I just thought the level I experienced things on was more intense, yet still nothing out of the ordinary. While certain childhood events heightened my anxiety, I do believe it was something I had been struggling with prior to those events and that those happens just intensified it. Nonetheless, I'm so thankful to know I have anxiety so I can learn how to better deal with it.
In addition, I had a very rocky year relationship wise with my parents. There were periods of anger, sadness, tensions, and most of all, hurt. Over Christmas, I took the brave leap and decided to spend Christmas with them, having not really spoken to them very often in months. To my amazement, I could see them truly trying to understand me and in return, I was respecting their feelings and see them in a good light, as I know they have big hearts. What I learned most, and what my dad also learned, is perhaps the greatest gift of all: Understanding. We both accepted that we will not always see eye to eye, may that be political agendas or simply the aesthetic of an interior. I love that we all now know that we do in fact have wavering opinions and needs, but that no matter what, we love each other and will always be here for each other. Understanding is such a wonderful gift.
09. Travel this year has been low key, yet one of my favorites. As you might know, I am a traveller at heart and welcome any opportunity to explore a new place. Sarah and I got to travel to our favorite city — Nashville! We decided to ditch Charleston for Thanksgiving and spend it in a Scandinavian designed Airbnb which I don't regret one second of. We walked the town both day and night, had some of the tastiest dinners, took pictures in front of countless murals, sipped on too many lattes, walked alongside Radnor Lake, and hiked the stairs in Percy Warner State Park to stand where Taylor Swift stood, checked off every borough of Nashville on our itinerary, laughed a lot, and had the best Thanksgiving ever! Aside from taking pictures and documenting our trip, my phone was tucked away on the social media spectrum of things and it felt so refreshing! I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
IN 2018 I LEARNED:
I hate browsing around in stores as it makes me anxious. I much prefer online shopping, especially when I can buy it online and pick it up in store!
Maggie Rogers is an indie sensation — her cover of Tim McGraw is phenomenal.
I much prefer cooking as it's not only therapeutic, but it's much more sanitary than going out to a restaurant and ordering food from a kitchen when you are unaware of its condition (call me a germaphobe, whatever, I haven't gotten sick this year *knock on wood*).
I can have a lovely relationship with my parents so long as we all respect each other's opinions.
Drinking even just a glass of wine makes me feel incredibly anxious the next day, not sure why, but it is a fact for those with anxiety. Oh well, no extra sugar or pounds for me!
Nashville is my favorite city and I would move there on the dime.
Giving to charity is now a top priority of mine and something I hope to do more of in 2019.
Scaling back on vegetables that cause bloating has made me feel so much better stomach wise.
Let's hope for an even more prosperous year in 2019 and welcome opportunity! What are your favorite memories from this past year or goals for next year? I'd love to know!
