Ten years ago I was in grade 11 heading into my final year of high school. From the minimal adversity I have had to face in my short 26 year old life, 2010 was probably the most difficult. I suffered from extreme anxiety that truly challenged my relationships with my friends and family, and made school that much more difficult than it already was for a high school student trying to figure out their future plans.

Flash forward to me, at the start of 2020, ten years later. I am in a completely different headspace than I was back then. Ten years older and wiser I guess? But in all seriousness, my family, the friendships I have developed during this time, and my university and work experience, have shaped me into the person I am really proud of today.

I used to take things too seriously, needed everything perfect, and got hung up on silly things. I definitely still do some of these things at times, but I have been able to develop a new perspective and not take things, or myself, too seriously. I am much better at going with the flow, even though my mom still needs to remind me at times.

In that last 10 years we have lost some special people close to us. If nothing else reminds you of how short life is, it is losing those you care the most about. Rather than dwell on what could have been, those special people have reminded me to do everything I have ever wanted, not take anyone or any experience for granted, and to live life to the fullest.

I have learned so many things in 2019 and in the past 10 years. Each experience I have had and person that has been brought into my life, whether that be short or long term, has taught me valuable life lessons. My hope for 2020 and beyond is that I can keep learning from others, gain new perspectives, and appreciate the differing opinions people will have from me. When we can surround ourselves with those different to us, we can learn the most.

As most of you I am sure, I have some intentions for the year ahead that I wanted to share. They are not specific goals just yet but more broader aspects I need to work on in 2020.

Be more environmentally friendly. Through the help my of my friends @hera.and.co and @loganandfinley, I have realized that incorporating zero-waste practices into your every day life is not as hard as I initially thought it to be. I am certainly not perfect but I am slowly becoming more aware of the choices I make and how they effect the environment. I hope to gradually over the year learn more ways that I can do this in my own life. I am excited to use the new silicon baking sheets I got for Christmas!!!

Experiencing life beyond my career. I LOVE my job. I love that clients can become friends and I never feel like I am working. The downside is that I say yes to a whole lot of work, sacrificing my time to create life memories beyond my paycheque. This year I want to be more aware of the number of weekends and extra commitments I make work wise so that I can travel and live a little more!

No matter what your last year, or 10 has looked like, remember that the start of a new year gives us a chance to reflect, identify what we truly want and need, and then make a plan to go after it. Wishing you nothing but health and happiness this new year and always.

Yours in self-discovery,

Rachel

Hello 2020!