Hey friends! You’ve probably heard the news by now, but Tokyo was recently selected as the host city for the 2020 olympics. For anyone who is a newbie here, I’ve been living in Tokyo for the past 14 months and this Olympics business has been an exciting discussion around these parts. Walking to work, I saw posters and memorabilia everywhere, reminding us that Tokyo was in the running for this unique honor. Seeing those posters made me feel this weird emotion, like I was part of something special, even if I wasn’t really part of it, you know? A day after the announcement, I got a newspaper in my mailbox with a giant picture of people screaming on it (like the one above…doesn’t it just make you so happy?) and couldn’t help but feel excited and teary-eyed, even though I don’t expect to be living in Tokyo once 2020 rolls around. But then I looked again.
“2020!”
Tokyo Olympics? No. All I could see was that fat ol’ date stamped on my paper. It still sounds distant, but the fact that there is now something in my 2020 planner makes it feel so much closer, real, and not quite so intangible.
After hearing the news, I told myself that no matter where I was in 2020, I would come back to Tokyo to bask in the years of memories I’ve made in Japan. I’d relive them while watching one of the most incredible competitions in the world. Yeah! Sign me up, I might as well just buy my ticket now! But after a little more consideration, I realized that by the time 2020 hits, I’ll be 31 years old. Holy hell? I might have a husband! Kids! A permanent job! Will I even be able to get my tush back here in seven years time?
It honestly kind of scared me, thinking of the future in that way, as something that can both rest in my planner and yet is still almost a decade down the line. I even spent time considering that this very year is almost over. How did that happen? Didn’t 2013 just fly by? And don’t I say this every year? But thinking about the semi-close future also helped me to consider my semi-close past. Today, I want to look back on 2013 and share some of the turning points I felt and things I accomplished. 2020 may be on its way, but if 2013 is any testament, those seven years in between are going to be filled to the brim with memories and life changing moments.
Some things that meant something this year:
1. January: I took the Creative Courage eCourse. It was my first eCourse and I absolutely loved it. It reinvigorated my creative life and I even…
2. February: …Started the Nectar Collective. I had wanted to start a creative online space for some time, but could never really picture its purpose in my mind. But after taking Creative Courage, I just felt brave and free enough to not need all of the answers. Now, I’m discovering them little by little and I’ve realized that’s often the best route to take.
3. March: I quit a job I hated. I was a teacher at a brand new start-up school, working many unpaid overtime hours for bosses that made me feel worthless. Enough was enough, so one day I quit. The very next day I was offered a higher paying job for half the hours. Funny how those things work out sometimes.
4. April: Started my new job and GOT A DOG. Getting my dog, Monja, was enough of an accomplishment for the entire year. He has made me feel more purposeful, responsible, silly, and happy and I’m eternally grateful to call his fluffy little butt mine.
5. May: Development. There weren’t many “big” things this month, but my little blog got its first 100 followers and I spent my time working on new projects and starting friendships that I know will last far beyond 2013.
6. June: Launched the Snail Mail Collective with Chelsea and Weekly Wishes. It is amazing to see the communities that have formed from these two projects and I am absolutely grateful for each person who participates in them. They have truly enhanced my blogging life.
7. July: Officially launched Bumble + Buzz Design. I’m honored and thrilled with the response its gotten so far and have had so much fun building my own graphic design business.
8. August: Went to Thailand + Launched Everyday Happy with Erika. Keiji and I had an amazing time in Chiang Mai petting elephants, zip-lining through a jungle, and enjoying each other’s company. Erika and I also released our eCourse, Everyday Happy, to the world, and we are so grateful for the response and love we’ve already gotten.
9. September: Still growing. September is still getting off the ground, but already I know it’s going to be a great month. I’ve seen my design business grow, my blog recently reached 1,000 subscribers (say whhaaaa?), and I am feeling more confident than ever to pursue my heart’s mission.
2020 may creep up quickly, and in a flash, 2013 will be slowing to an end, but taking the time to think about everything that happens during those months and days in between is such a solid reminder that time is really what we make of it and how we choose to see it.
What stood out to you in your timeline this year?
