My 2019 in review
1. What did you do in 2019 that you’d never done before?
I had a sort of massive spiritual awakening, does that count? Also, quit my job, declared my romantic feelings to my best friend and started dating him, got certified in Reiki, started a podcast, graduated from my coaching program, started a business. Holy shnikeys, 2019.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Some of my goals from 2019:
paint living room and guest room NO
frame and print new photos YES
clean out closets, kitchen, drawers YES
rearrange guest room to become an office YES
Take one mental health day or wfh day every six weeks YES AND ALSO QUIT THE JOB I NEEDED MENTAL HEALTH DAYS FROM
schedule hikes once a month EH, MIDDLING
Keep Sundays are sacred (no evening plans is basically what I mean there; sets my week up better to have those nights to myself PRETTY GOOD
Get reiki every 6 weeks PROBABLY MORE LIKE EVERY 8-12 WEEKS BUT YEAH
Schedule monthly reviews/journaling sessions for reflection YUP
I also used the awesome Powered by Tofu goal setting spreadsheet and according to that I hit about 75% of my goals. Wow! I’ll take it.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes! My friend Arlene. Love u baby Max. And my friend Naomi. Love u baby Clara.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
For the second year in a row I did not travel internationally. I really am dying to go back to Italy in 2020; hope to make that happen.
6. What would you like to have in 2020 that you lacked in 2019?
Last year I said a cabin in the woods which somehow did not magically appear for me. But I still think I want to move to a place where nature is easier to access, whether that’s a new condo on a park or somewhere in a forest.
7. What dates from 2019 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Less particular dates but basically all of June and July 2019 when I was going through eclipse season which ground me into dust and built me back up again. It was during those months that I realized I had feelings for my best friend and also that I needed to quit my job - and both things came to fruition. Great that they did, but let me tell you, it was a hell of a bumpy ride up onto them.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
See question #1.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Pretty dang proud of myself this year but one thing I’m working on is doing my work not out of a need of ego and validation but because I want to serve others and truly help. I still get caught up in the validation part, so that’s my “failure” for this year - but I’m a work in progress.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing serious, thankfully.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A new bed, which was sorely needed. Tickets up and down the east coast to NYC to see my boyfriend. The filing costs for my LLC. Plane tickets to Sedona, again.
12. Where did most of your money go?
Personal growth books, courses; my mortgage; bus and train tix up to NYC; Amazon.
13. What did you get really excited about?
Offering coaching and tarot readings and starting my own business!
14. What song will always remind you of 2019?
Something about Ra Ra Riot’s “Water” really hit me this year; according to Spotify it was my most played track.
15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? happier
– thinner or fatter? Fatter, damn this aging metabolism
– richer or poorer? A bit poorer in money but RICHER IN SPIRIT AND RELATIONSHIPS!
16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Last year I wrote: Always nature… probably more relaxing and fun. Trusting the process and the universe.
I did do a lot more of that this year but can never get enough nature. I took enough risks in 2019 for a lifetime so feeling good about that. Getting better at the trusting the universe thing.
17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Aimless fucking around on the internet is the standard-bearer for this answer, and I did do my fair share of that in 2019 but definitely not as much. Probably, as ever, less beating myself up and doubting.
18. How did you spend Christmas?
With my delightful family out in the burbs and my sweet sweet nephews and niece.
19. What was your favorite TV program?
Ummm… I watch very little TV but I did like the Hulu Four Weddings and a Funeral a lot.
20. What were your favorite books of the year?
I read 36 books in 2019 according to Goodreads. These were primarily self help and spiritual books; see above re: spiritual awakening. How to Change Your Mind and Big Magic were two of my favorites. For fiction/sci fi/fantasy/romance, The Court of Thorns and Roses series. Red White & Royal Blue.
21. What was your favorite music from this year?
LOL like I listen to music anymore.
22. What were your favorite films of the year?
Hrm. I really liked Captain Marvel. Um. I thought Long Shot was HILARIOUS. Toy Story 4 made me cry. Booksmart, good. HUSTLERS!!!
23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I have no idea what I did for my 39th birthday. LOL wow. Aging rules! Oh, I think I went out to dinner with my ex… ? Clearly memorable. 40’s coming for me soon!
24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I really can’t think of too much. It was a turbulent and chaotic year but a great one. I guess an answer to this is “Trust myself more.” Care less what people think. Take leaps. Good things to do any year.
25. What kept you sane?
Morning Pages, writing my newsletter. Meditation. Believing I deserved love, happiness and I could make my dreams come real.