It’s time to take a look back at 2018.
Unlike other years where I have like 10 lofty resolutions that end up stressing me out, this year I stuck to three:
- Invest in my space
- Get out of debt.
- Get serious about writing.
Resolutions
Investing in my space and getting out of debt actually contradicted each other—I couldn’t invest without spending money. So I instead chipped away at where exactly my money was going. I tracked budgets and spending categories, and then made a series of lifestyle changes. With all that, it still took over 6 months to really become a habit. But throughout all this, I taught myself to save and budget, and a couple months ago, I officially got out of all my debt!
As for my room, it’s been exciting to transform my space into something I’m proud of and enjoy spending time in. Beforehand, I’d actively try to never be home. I felt like a nomad in my own city, and I didn’t ever want anyone to come over and see my old drafty apartment. With my updated space, I’ve noticed a change in my mental health, where I like being home. Moreover, I can just RELAX.
My room changes included: Rearranging bed setup/new comforters/repainting walls/framing all art and decorating/garment rack for more clothes space/bookshelf also decorated with some art/new dresser/PLANTS.
To improve at writing, I followed the golden rule of how to improve at anything—practice. I tried to write a little everyday, even if it’s just a rant about Muni. I took a creative nonfiction class, and I’ll be taking one more next year. It’s been the slowest goal to accomplish and to be honest, many times I feel frustrated or stunted. So there’s something there about being more patient *eye roll*.
Transitions
These were the parts of 2018 that the Type A in me could actively take control over. But of course, many, MANY things were not controllable. My grandmother passed away, and through her the last grandparent I had. For the first time, I missed India a lot. I missed my family there. Having just returned a few weeks ago, I now want to find ways to learn and maintain my culture rather than waiting for my parents to do it for me.
A lot of friend transitions also happened. I watched college friends get married, and close friends move away. The starry-eyed years of having an OG friend group all in the same place at the exact same stage of life have faded. And I’m not sure if I like it or if I’m ready for it (I mean, I’m definitely not ready for it).
I also met a boy. If you had told me that I would date someone this year, I’d have vehemently opposed (as I did to all my friends who did tell me this). I went on one single date this year and 11 months later, here we are. Life is weird like that. I’ve been challenged and humbled by this relationship, and also invested in a way that I’ve never been with anyone else. I’m freaked out pretty much everyday, but I also love him, which I think is pretty great.
I’ll be 30 next year, which brings with it all the societal pressure of Something Big. I don’t know what that means. I do know that I’m here for all the systemic change slowly happening—thumbs up to talking more about equality and mental health; and I’m committed to sharing more about my ongoing battle with anxiety. I’m here for more investing and more writing. I don’t know exactly what my other goals are quite yet, but I know that these transitions are going to continue, so it’s time to get ready for them whether I like it or not.
Along with my favorite photos, here were some of my favorite posts from the year. If you had any favorites, let me know! And let’s figure out how to take on 2019 in all our controllable and uncontrollable glory.
Recipe: Mango Tart Disguised as a Pumpkin Tart
One Week in Cambodia: Travel Guide
One Year Later: A Look Back at Ferrandi and My Time in Paris
Food + Culture Series: Queijadas de Sintra
3-Day Guide to Zion National Park
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