As January marches along, and I have been back at work for two days now, it’s finally starting to feel as though 2015 is in the rearview mirror.
I don’t believe in New Year’s Resolutions, and I am not really one — at least not any more — prone to public introspection. However, I do think it’s important to sit back from time-to-time, take stock, and think about where you’re at and where you’re going. And now seems as good a time as any.
2015 was a very good year for me, both professionally and personally. Work-wise, I received a nice promotion and became more comfortable/confident at doing my job (at least until the promotion happened, and then it’s right back to zero). I consider myself to be very fortunate to have a job I like and that affords me the time-off to be able to travel. Even when I get frustrated, or overwhelmed, I try to keep that in mind.
On a more personal level, the thing that made me the happiest about last year was the traveling I was able to do. The older I get, the more I’ve realized how important jaunting around the country is to me. Something about it is therapeutic, re-energizing. Like by arriving at a new, ideally warm destination, the possibilities and potential for adventure are just laid out in front of you — even if said destination is just a few scant hours away by car. Seeing far-flung friends and family also doesn’t hurt. This past year I went to Denver, San Diego (twice), Chicago, Washington D.C., and Put-in-Bay. In 2016, my plan is to travel as much, if not more, and to some new locales.
The other thing that made me very happy this year was that I continued going to the gym. It may not sound like much of an achievement, but for someone imbued with my remarkable level of laziness, it really is. I also continue to eat much better than I did a year ago, even if I’ve slacked off some the last couple months. But slowly, surely, I am becoming fit. It’s made me feel better, both physically and mentally.
Other good things happened this year, but some things are, I think, better kept to one’s self. Keeps a little mystery going.
If you’re still reading this: kudos to you. Apparently I haven’t bludgeoned you to death (YET) with boredom. Thanks for sticking around. Here’s to 2016.
Published by