Things are about to get personal around here for a moment. Consider yourself warned.Each year around birthday time, I find myself doing a bit of that stereotypical yet inevitable "look back and forward" thing that is often reserved for birthday and new years times - thinking about the past year and reflecting on what has stuck with me, what has changed, what I am grateful for, and peering forward to the year ahead.I like getting older (and yes I've been told many times that this sentiment will wane as the years go on, but the jury is still out on that for me). Getting older means growing, which is a good thing. I like the experiences and learning and changes that come with time moving forward.For me, 27 was a particularly big year. And probably because of its bigness and quantity of change and abundance of experiences, I am more reflective than usual. As I write this, I realize this post could go on a looong time. And include a bagillion photos... and you know it's been a good year when there are too many good ones to choose from. But then, "too many good" photos is an oxymoron, isn't it?So anyway. 27.I made my greatest career shift so far when I finally realized my goal of working for myself, as a writer, a marketing and PR freelancer and a nutrition and healthy eating consultant.It was a year of remarkably good food. But record of that is what the rest of this blog is for :)I made the greatest literal move of my life, leaving the northeast for the first time and moving to Arizona.
I traveled more and farther in the last year than I have in any other single year in my life, which has been a gift on so many levels.I am perhaps more grateful than ever for my friendships - old ones, life-long ones, new ones, and all of those that do and will clearly continue to sustain geographical distance. It was year full of love for many. Weddings, babies, engagements, new wonderful relationships formed and solidified, career shifts and successes ... It is never anything less than completely heart-warming to see your dearest friends happy in life and love.My Nana turned 99. Yes, 99! She is the most amazing woman, and one of the smartest, sharpest, most interesting I know. That I still have 3 of my grandparents as I turn 28 is something I am thankful for every day. I love my family.
I leave what can't help but be the piece closest to my heart to round out looking back on 27. I became engaged to the love of my life - my best friend, my partner, my favorite person in the world. My life and my heart are full and complete because of him.
28 is going to be another big one. There are some exciting new career expansions on the horizon, more celebrations with great friends to look forward to, more travel around the country and world. And -- I will be married to the best, most wonderful man in the world who I love more than I will ever be able to say with words.
Tomorrow is my birthday. I look forward to the year ahead and all there will be to celebrate, and ready to take on new challenges. I look forward to starting out my next year feeling as happy, fortunate, and as much myself as I ever have. 28, here I come!!!