Ah...2018. I think its funny how we try and reflect on a whole year of our lives in one sitting. I think the overall feeling we get about the year really lets us know what resinated with us the most. Because having one feeling about 365 days is just silly. I think it’s important to reflect regardless. I think it puts things into perspective.
2018 was different than any other year I have experienced. I think I would call it a turning point in mostly good ways. I’ve done a lot of growth both mentally and physically. My birthday is close to new years so I think it’s interesting how I can reflect on a new year as well as another full year of being on this earth. A very reflective time indeed...
This year I faced more health challenges than I ever faced in my entire life. I went from never having chronic pain to experiencing discomfort for far too long. If there is one thing that I have learned in 2018 it is to LISTEN to your body. YOU KNOW YOUR BODY. If you think something is wrong...there probably is something wrong. Trust yourself. But most importantly, do something about it. I spent so many hours at the doctors this year. Mainly because if a doctor told me they “couldn’t” find anything I’d find a new doctor until I found the answers and support I was looking for because there WAS something going on. Several tests, procedures and a surgery later I am on my way to feeling like the best version of me I can and I have made a promise to do everything in my power to promote more healing. I spent more money on doctors bills than on mostly anything else this year and I don’t regret a thing. You can’t put a price tag on your health...you just can’t. This year I also learned that STRESS really does affect you physically. You must be kind to yourself. I also learned that creating habits is key. FUCK anyone who says people on a schedule are “boring” or live a monotonous lifestyle. I fucking thrive on consistency and it has been the best thing for me on my health journey this year and in 2019 I aim to become even better at creating an overall practice/routine for myself. Moral of the story: don’t ignore pain and take care of yourself.
This year I moved in with my girlfriend and it was the best thing to ever happen to us. I love living with her. She is my absolute go to, rock, and partner in this life. We have learned so much about each other in this past year and have grown so much. We adopted the cutest little kitten and he is the funniest thing in the world. He is just what I need since Devin works nights. That has also put me to the test. I have been alone many many many hours this year. I had to be okay with that. It is still not easy, but it makes my time with Devin that much sweeter.
I became a licensed NYS Speech Language Pathologist. This year I got to see six and a half years of schooling pay off. I started a new job in 2018 which means I left my first job as an SLP. That job was the best thing that has ever happened to me in my career thus far. I have never loved a group of students more. Saying goodbye was heart breaking, but I knew that the new opportunity that was presented to me, I couldn’t pass up. I am now starting to get acclimated to my current job. It has taught me independence and resilience. I am learning something new every single day. This will all be worth it. I know I am changing lives and I love what I do. I get to give my students a voice. I am so lucky to be a part of their lives. They make me better.
I have made some friendships stronger. I have made mistakes. I have left people behind. I have offended people, helped people and found new friends. Its a funny age, being 25..almost 26. I see a transformation in who I call my friends and thats okay. I have become more and more okay with quality over quantity when it comes to the people in my life.
2018 brought so many needles in my arm...literally...rent checks, boat rides, IEP drafts, kitty litter, student loans, paperwork, organizing, yelling, laughing, crying, runs by the marina, AAC consults, meetings, cooking, drag shows, train rides, and google flights dreaming....
I am thankful for my body for fighting for me this year and for my mind that helps my body push through. I am thankful for Devin. My family. Her family. Our little baby cat. The breakfast boys and Max. I am thankful for my officer coming home safe. I am thankful for our little apartment and our new bikes and morning coffee walks to the bay. I will continue to be thankful.
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