With 2014 coming to a rapid close, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately.  Or, as many others might refer to it, reflecting.

“You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough” – Joe E. Lewis

It’s been quite a year.  A year of changes big and small.  A year of continual growth and transformation.  A year of victories, set backs, and general shenanigans.  A year like any other year really, except it felt more special.

I took a huge leap of faith in the beginning of the year and threw myself into job that makes me operate way outside my comfort zone almost every day.  I continue to try solo traveling.  Still very stressful, but always rewarding.  I still have to learn the art of conversing with strangers.

“I don’t need a boy to pay attention to me, I pay attention to myself” – Tina Belcher

I am still in the process of learning how to make new friends.  I don’t make friends easily.  I am friendly with people, and make acquaintances well, but to go from someone I know to a friend is a tough transition with me.  I don’t make it easy, that’s for sure.  But this year I started letting some more people in.  I’m not good at telling people how I feel about them, but hopefully those who strong armed their way in know how much I appreciate them for doing so.

I did a lot in 2014.  Even though I only accomplished one of my goals set for the year. Setbacks happen and I accomplished many other things that make up for the others. I still had a ton of fun and collected yet another year of wisdom, bumps and bruises to build upon.

There are many things to look forward to in 2015 (like Clueless turning 20…20! #ifeelold).  Hopefully this momentum from 2014 carries through and picks up a bit.  There are many adventures to be had, lessons to be learned, books to be read, cakes to be baked, moments to photographed and memories to be made.  I’m looking forward to it!

“Live every week like it’s Shark Week” – Tracy Jordan