With the end of the year rapidly approaching, I am nostalgic thinking about my vast experiences in 2014. I think of the person I was coming into the year and compare myself to who I am leaving the year and am pleasantly amazed by how much I've grown as a human.
In February, I started making a list of my accomplishments to remind myself of what I am capable of. The list has acted as an ongoing reassurance in times when I question my adequacy. It is my confidence incarnate; a reminder of my potential when I am operating at my best. It also acts as a strong stimulus to keep me on the desired trajectory that I have set out for myself. I am genuinely excited for 2015 and for the next few years of my life. Not simply because I have vacations planned or because I'll be changing careers, but rather because I have discovered how to live life powerfully and am happy with life on a daily basis. I want this feeling for everyone. This sense of empowerment, productivity and freedom is so...precious. For me, it is the essence of happiness and full self-expression; something to be cherished and nurtured for years to come.
Here are a few of the more noteworthy accomplishments that I'd like to remember from 2014 (in chronological order):
Conquered my fear of public criticism, judgment, and failure
Resolved outstanding conflicts with friends and family
Posted videos and audio online of songs I have composed
Traveled to England, France, and Spain
Created This Wisdom Project
Overcame irrational public bathroom phobia
Started making monthly donations to charitable causes
Volunteered at homeless shelters, food pantry, city garden
Rediscovered painting and started selling artwork
Performed at my best friend's wedding
Created this website (Fianshadow.com)
Got engaged to my lady!
BE BOLD. BE VULNERABLE. BE AUTHENTIC. BE KIND.
This has become my mantra and my way of life. These eight words are the foundation of who I strive to be at any given moment. They have continuously shown me the key to lasting happiness and satisfaction. The more I align myself with these core values, the more I have come to cherish my life and the world that I live in.
Be bold in your actions. Act with intent. Own the choices that you make and stand for something in this world.
Be vulnerable with people. Do things that make you uncomfortable so that you may grow and always appreciate what you have as opposed to what you want.
Be authentic with yourself and others. Take time to think about who you really are and what you really want in life. Be genuine with people and establish deep and meaningful relationships with those who accept your true self. Don't waste time with false pretenses (life's too short!).
Be kind to everyone and everything. This includes yourself. You can do little good in this world if you are not operating at your highest level. Be kind to yourself so that you can be kind to others.
2014 has been an amazing year for me. I am so excited to start the new year and to continue improving upon myself and the world around us. If you haven't already, I would encourage you to take some time and reflect upon what you've accomplished in 2014 and make a list of what you want to accomplish in 2015. I hope you all had a memorable 2014 and do big things in 2015! Happy New Year!
