One always reflects on the year gone by as it nears the end. This year has been a complete and utter rollercoaster ride for me with so many vital life lessons learned. More of them good than bad. Fortunately! Here's a snap shot:
- Explore:This year, more than ever, I did new and different things. Some were on a much bigger scale than others, such as taking the plunge and doing a Euro trip with my German mate with the only plan being just get into a car and see where the road takes us. Others have been exploring my own city, trying out new restaurants, walking through little side streets in town, discovering new trails, etc.
- Forgive and forget: The beginning of this year myself and my girlfriend of six years broke up. As much as in the back of my mind I knew it was meant to be, I think my ego was bruised more than anything else and it was fairly hard to grasp the fact that “six years had gone to waste.” These past few months I have learned that in actual fact it wasn’t a waste of time, and I am grateful for each and every experience; both good and bad. More than anything I have forgotten about the bad experiences and forgiven myself and her about things that were said and done and am pleased to say that I have moved on.
- There is more to life than city living: Because I spend the majority of my time in the city, I have learned that there is nothing better than actually getting away from the hustle and bustle for a bit. Whether it’s trail running in the winelands, sleeping a car at a nearby campsite at Cape Point with three of your best guy mates or setting up tents on the side of the river.
- Everything happens for a reason: Cliché, I know but this year has been a true reflection of this statement. Whether it’s losing something close to you, not winning the business that you put your heart and soul into, or losing someone close to you. Eventually things make sense.
- Exercise is good for the soul: Due to the nature of my industry and the stresses that come with being in PR and communications, I was forced to look at an activity to distress. Instead of choosing alcohol as many of my dear industry colleagues have done (not that I don’t enjoy a good glass of wine), I chose exercise which has kind of become a habit. Exercise challenges me, it gives me an opportunity to be out doors with people who share the same interest as me and, most importantly, it de-stresses me.
- Write a journal on your experiences: When I was younger, I often used to jot down thoughts in a little note book. This wasn’t done for years until a special little book was given to me by a close friend prior to going on my three and a half week Euro trip. The book gave me tips on places to visit specifically in Paris and Amsterdam, all based on my friends experience. It encouraged me to write about the little gems I discovered in these cities as well as in the French country side, the small towns I visited in Germany and my experience in Berlin, Brussels and Austria. It sits on my coffee table at home and often I grab it to remind me of the trip.
- There is nothing wrong with running home to mom and dad: The two people who probably know be best are my folks. Without asking me they can tell whether I am happy, sad or stressed. The great thing is I can go to their house anytime and there will always be cooked food on the table (often way too much), without any questions being asked!
- Sometimes music is the answer: Music has always played a big part in my life and often, like many other people, my song choice has reflected my mood! This year music has played more of a role than anything else, with my iTunes and iPod working overtime. I have also learned that there is often that one artist that has the much needed answers for you.
- True friends are there to stay: The people in my life know how much friendship means to me and the role that my friends play in my life. Often people say that friends come and go. To me, if you (true) friends with someone, they there to stay. To my friends who have been there this past year during the bad times and (ofcourse) the good, thank you!
Happy holidays :)
