Sierra's Year in Review: 2014 Edition ☆*･゜ﾟ･*(^O^)/*･゜ﾟ･*☆
Just a warning, this post will probably be exceeding long, and is really for my own personal use. But if you find anything that is particularly interesting or you relate to, don't hesitate to say so. I love hearing feedback. Let's start a conversation. :)
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So, a friend of mine led me to a website with 50 Questions to Reflect on the year, and also to look forward to the one that is soon to follow.
I wanted to take this task seriously, to actual look back and review my year for the good and the bad. To see what I've learned and what I have yet to learn with the time ahead. And so here it goes.
1. What one event, big or small, are you going to tell your grandchildren about?
I had talked about this with the same friend who showed me this website. I decided that the event that I would tell my grandchildren about would be all the events that have gone on in 2014 that led to so many protests around the globe. I had seen a posts that had said another ladies grandmother was crying and when asked why she said "We protested so you wouldn't have to." It's very powerful I think. Look how things have changed, not much. We're still here fighting for the same things our ancestors have. This take a long time to change. It's discouraging, but that doesn't mean we should give up. That doesn't mean we should stop. But I would tell my grandchildren just that life isn't easy, and this isn't the things you see in the movies.
2. If you had to describe your 2014 in 3 words, what would they be?
Trying.
You know the saying "trying times" or whatever? That's what I mean by it. 2014 was filled with challenges. Left, right, and center.
Creative.
This year I was able to do probably a lot more things creatively than ever before. At that's truly satisfying, something I hope to continue in the years to come.
Bold.
In 2014 I did things that I never would've seen myself doing. Nothing like inappropriate but just like: wow this is me becoming who I want to be an it's great.
3. What new things did you discover about yourself?
I learned that I'm not really as funny as I think I am lol. I laugh at my own jokes.
4.What single achievement are you most proud of?
I'm really proud of being able to write and produce a short film this year. That's probably by biggest achievement personally. Like people don't realize how much work goes into those things! I'm really proud of the work that was created and the team I was with! :) You guys were great. Oh and also the response once it was uploaded was also very endearing! Better than I thought.
5.What was the best news you received?
Probably that my mom said she would allow me to cut my hair off.
6.What was your favorite place that you visited in 2014?
UGH! So hard to decide pick one place!
When I spent the day in NYC by myself that was really great. Like super rad. I just went all over the city and it was beautiful. I loved the MoMa, Williamsburg Bridge especially and probably just wandering about in general. New York was great. Ha.
7. Which of your personal qualities turned out to be the most helpful this year?
Probably my need to always accomplish things. To always do well and try hard. I was very discouraged a lot of the year, and if I didn't have that drive for myself to achieve I would probably drop out of school tbh.
8. Who was your number one go-to person that you could always rely on?
No one. Don't rely on anyone.
Idk. Zoe was a go-to. And Lucian turned out to be really reliable.
9. Which new skills did you learn?
Well my photoshop skills have improved. I've also been learning Adobe Premiere.
10. What, or who, are you most thankful for?
Geez I hate those questions. Because I mean I do take a lot of things for granted. And now I just have to choose one thing?? I'm grateful for my health. It's really something that many don't think of. But if i couldn't see, or see worse then I already do I wouldn't be able to draw or create. If i couldn't walk how would i get around to all the places that I go to regularly. I could've caught ebola (I'm being serious). Like all these things. I hope I can be healthier in 2015
11. If someone wrote a book about your life in 2014, what kind of genre would it be? A comedy, love story, drama, film noir or something else?
It would be a really long drawn out coming of age book. With several existential aspects and hopefully some self discovery. I don't think anyone would want to read a book on me.
12. What was the most important lesson you learnt in 2014?
The most important lesson I learned in 2014 is if you never ask the answer will always be no. Like the Coldplay song, "If you never ask you'll never know." And for the majority of time people will say yes. Chances of rejection are slimmer than you think.
13. Which mental blocks did you overcome?
Idk. I still have a lot of issues lol. But I've been improving. I'm not gunna go into detail sorry.
14. What 5 people did you most enjoy spending time with?
My mom.
My pizza crew in general
Sierra
Ms.Monnee
_______________ let's leave that blank till I think of someone.
15. What was your biggest break-though moment career wise?
I haven't had one yet. I'm hoping I have one soon, especially since no one will shut up about college and careers.
16. How did your relationship to your family evolve?
It's also very trying. If you know what I mean. (check response to #2) Just live and learn.
17. What book or movie affected your life in a profound way?
"Catcher in the Rye"
I spent nearly 6 months trying to get through that book. I hated it at first, like two years back and stopped reading it. Then I tried again this year (where it took 6 months) then finally, I was reading and I couldn't stop. I related to Holden so much. But I also related to soo many other characters. I can't decide if I'm a phony or if I'm one Holden would consider a phony. But that book moved me a lot. I don't own it, but I've recorded my favorite parts down and hopefully can archive them properly. I even was inspired by one scene for a short film. But I'm not as good a writer as Salinger.
18. What was your favorite compliment that you received this year?
This girl at school had messaged me on facebook one night and had said that I was really great and that she liked when I laughed and that my smile lit up the whole room. I had barely even talked to her ever. Besides occasionally saying hi. But it touched me a lot, because I never really thought like that about myself.
19. What little things did you enjoy most during your day-to-day life?
I really enjoyed taking the trolley and walking downtown. I just like to feel independent in a way. And I love cities lol.
19. What cool things did you create this year?
A short film!
I've just barely begun to get into making digital typographics. Hope to really kick that off 2015.
I've done several pencil portraits that came out very well. :D
Also working on a little magazine (Hopefully to be released early 2015!)
21. What was your most common mental state this year.
22. Was there anything you did for the first time in your life this year?
The only thing I could think of is that I asked a guy out to the movies lol. That's a first for sure.
23.What was your favorite moment spent with your friends?
When we went for pizza afterschool on friday and played charades. Also on when we went for pizza before winter break. Idk so many great pizza memories I can't pick one.
24. What major goal did you lay the foundations for?
Mostly just making future short films and online content. It was my first one and I did a sh--load of research. It's all still there along with a huge "filmwise" board on Pinterest (private sorry!) So I think for the future project regarding online content and video I've done a great deal.
25.Which worries turned out to be completely unnecessary?
Mostly about the friend that I briefly had a crush on. Idk I still get worried about it sometimes.
26. What experience would you love to do all over again?
27.What was the best gift you received?
Probably money? Because then I can choose what to do with it. Which the majority of it is going towards VIDCON 2015! (*wink*wink* hope to see you there!)
28.How did your overall outlook on life evolve?
At this point my outlook on life is still very bleak to be honest. Very pointless. In the fault in our stars (which is just the only movie that seemed to address this spot on) it's said that oblivion is inevitable and we're all just ignoring it. I can see that plainly now, and I can't unsee it.
29. What was the biggest problem you solved?
I wanted to be funny and put a math problem from school but I'm too lazy lol.
30.What was the funniest moment of your year, one that still makes it hard not to burst out laughing when you think about it?
Watching "I Dare You" with Kailyn and we laughed for 20 minutes over KevJumba's facial expression after a dare. I'm not gunna spoil it for you. Go watch it.
31. What purchase turned out to be the best decision ever?
My lip liner from Topshop! It is literally the best thing. Lasts all day. 10/10 would recommend. I wish they still had the shade that I bought. o:
32. What one thing would you do differently and why?
Never regret anything because at one point that's exactly what you wanted. And since I've discovered that quote I wouldn't really regret anything or do anything differently.
33.What do you deserve a pat on the back for?
Always cleaning this dang house all the time. I have to do everything.
34.What activities made you lose track of time?
Editing videos, listening to good playlists on songza, just being creative. Producing something.
35. What did you think about more than anything else?
For the entirety of 2014? I don't know. Probably all the things I wish I could buy. And that dumb crush. Those are always unintentionally time consuming.
36. What topics did you enjoy learning about most?
I really enjoyed discussing the views of different black people in America who changed their lives and the lives of others. In my humanities class. It's interesting how much things have NOT changed. And I loved the style of writing.
37. What new habits did you cultivate?
None very positive. I've become very lazy this year tbh. Like I'll just be like I should clean, I should pick this up, but I really don't want to. I'll do it later. I also can't wake myself up in the morning very well for school. I've been late more this year than probably ever in my life (only been late like 3x though but still)
38.What advice would you give your early-2014 self if you could?
There are still polite people out there. They're not flirting with you lol. Smile more. You're not as great as you'd like to think, stay chill.
39.Did any parts of your self or your life do a complete 180 this year?
As mentioned before, probably how I handle chores... It's probably gone 90 degrees in the wrong direction. Not a complete 180.
40.What or who had the biggest positive impact on your life this year?
41. What do you want the overarching theme for your 2015 to be?
Independent, confident, female.
I don't think I'll be doing much traveling this year. I want to express myself and be free to say and do what I want. How would you describe that?
42. What do you want to see, discover, explore?
The world! Everything. I deserve it. What a shame to have the capability to travel and learn and to be and then not do that. To die not knowing for myself what's out there.
43.Who do you want to spend more time with in 2015?
My siblings and Kailyn. I want to be a good sister. And I never really get to hangout with Kailyn much.
44.What skills do you want to learn, improve, or master?
omg, so many!
I want to try cross stitching.
I want to try screen printing.
I want to get into making digital art.
I want to get better at street photography.
I want to grow plants.
There are so many others those are the first that come to mind.
45.Which personal quality do you want to develop or strengthen?
What qualities do I have? I would like to write more, people say I'm a good writer...idk if I believe them. I would like to actually improve my writing and speaking skills. I always like to think I'm good enough to do a TEDTalk. That would be a major achievement.
And anything that can help me get into a good uni and find a career that can get my parents off my back about it lol.
46. What do you want your everyday life to be like?
If it was up to me, I really wish I could have like a creative office. For all my brainstorming and a place for all my books and magazines. And especially since I got so many cool posters recently! But I would like to enjoy the small things. And have at least one thing to make each day unique and memorable. Like why do I have to wait for someone to buy me flowers (we know that's not happening anytime soon) If I want flowers I'll buy them myself.
47. Which habits do you want to change, cultivate or get rid of?
Um idk. Lately I've noticed I zone out a lot when people talk to me. Luckily it's not to obvious. I usually still nod and go "mhmm" but I'm thinking about something else and can't really answer a question. It doesn't last long but I'd like to become a better listener.
48.What do you want to achieve career-wise?
As mentioned a million times prior, I'd like to get a sign of some sort. Something that can help me figure out what I should do with my life. I don't really have a plan and what I want is very vague. I just want a life like FunforLouis, but the chances of that are slim. My parents want a plan and a backup plan. Help me achieve something that can help me figure this out.
49.How do you want to remember the year 2015 when you look back on it 10/20/50 years from now?
10 years from now. I'll be 27/28 I would like to look back on 2015 and say, remember all the good times I had with my friends, going to pizza and what not. Hanging out. Making short films. Obsessed with youtube. Great stuff. Look at me now.
20 Years from now. I'll be 37/38 I would like to look back and say, all the decisions I've made thus far have led me to where I am today, wherever that may be. Those decision, all the way back from 2015 have made me who I am today. And I am content.
50 years from now. I cant think that far ahead sorry lol.
50. What is your number one goal for 2015?
I haven't got one yet. I'll get back to you on that. :P
feel free to answer these questions yourself! Happy new year everyone! ☆*･゜ﾟ･*(^O^)/*･゜ﾟ･*☆
http://into-mind.com/2014/12/16/your-year-in-review-50-questions-to-help-you-reflect-appreciate-and-get-excited-for-2015/
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