Introvertedly Quirky

Mid-year Reflection

Posted on August 4, 2017     Leave a Comment

I am thankful!

That’s right! I’m thankful for all I have accomplished so far this year.

Three months ago, I wrote this post titled Close to mid-year reflection to reflect back on all of my accomplishments in the year 2016. Three months later, I have added many more great accomplishments to my list of success stories. With great delight, I have kept up the momentum and I couldn’t be any more happier.

As a highlight, here are a small snippet of my proud moments for the year 2017. First off, I completed a 10 months service year as an AmeriCorps member. The program introduced me to many great life and personal experiences that I will cherish forever. Along with the many skills I learned as a member of the program, I also learned a lot more about myself in both personal and professional realms. I learned how to work with others to develop stronger connections. Even better, I connected and made friends with a large group of individuals from all ages and cultures. From that experience, I’m learning to tailor my introverted personality in a way that will allow me to share and connect with others to learn more and about the world and fascinating people in my neighborhood, my local group, my local organizations, in New York City, etc. I learned to put myself out there even more without letting fear hold me back.

That’s not to say that the year has been all peachy with good news only. I did experience a few setbacks here and there throughout the year. I had my mind somewhat set on attending graduate school this year, but I received a decline letter from my school of choice. I set out to achieve a certain level in my fitness goal, but instead I went backwards and experienced many plateaus along the way. I attempted to make connections at work which did not bare any fruitful results. But, I survived them all.

Even better, I used all of the setbacks to my advantage. With the realization that graduate school is not an option for this year, I used the extra time that I now have available to get my business off the ground. I have been putting it on the back burner while slowly putting all of the pieces together. But, I figured, why not start now and put it out there. It’s early in the game for me, I will start making the mistakes now to save me the trouble later. I don’t have much to lose by learning that way. In going towards that direction, I picked up on two new mediums as part of the learning process. I tried my hands at both oil and watercolor paints and made some beautiful artwork which are now up for sale. Again, I used the free time I now had available to me to put in work towards my business.

About, two and a half weeks ago, on July 19th, I attended a drawing event at BRIC where I was both the artist and the subject of an artist. In a room full of artists, I met many creative people who share the same passion as me. It was a pleasure to see the many different techniques and styles of artists  that exists. Moreover, I also learned about myself as an artist in terms of my technique, artistic style, and preference.

Speaking of July, I had some of the most memorable and exciting first experiences during that month. I celebrated my birthday in the beginning of the month which included my first boat ride and roof top dinner at a Mexican restaurant. I attended my first festival at Panorama, where I met the amazing Frank Ocean, as well as Tyler the Creator and Solange. I also met my favorite artist of all time, Alan Cave, at my cousin’s wedding which I couldn’t believe even happened.

For having experienced so many new experiences and accomplishing many goals, I feel grateful. I look forward to what the second half of the year has in store for me.

To you reading this, I certainly believe, you too have amazing experiences to share. It might not seem so at times based on the obstacles and setbacks you are either going through or had to overcome. But, I dare you to look back five years and reflect on where you were then to where you are now. You will see progress. Sometimes, as your own worst critique, we focus more on the achievements that others can see on the outside. All the while, we forget the small and personal yet difficult and long lasting changes accomplishments in our life.

If you overcame procrastination, upgraded your personality for the better, removed yourself from a toxic relationship, adopted a healthier lifestyle, changed your sleeping habits, improved your financial situation, learned a new skill, shifted your pessimism into optimism, let go of a grudge which was causing you stress, you have made tremendous progress and big achievements in your life. Inner changes matter more than what people can see on the outside.

I encourage you to take the time to reflect back and write down some of the moments you felt most proud of yourself, big or small. You, my friend will see the changes. Let that be your little pick-me-up.

Please do leave a comment and share your story. I want to read your journey and cheer you on.

Now, go be AMAZING!