Lessons Learned: A Retrospective Exercise

I spent the past few weeks prepping myself for the start of 2015. And now that it's finally here, I am ready.

I decided to take lessons I learned in previous years and bring them back as core values of 2015.

Lessons from the past...

2005 - first devastating breakup
Be okay with doing things by yourself.

2009 - first backpacking trip
Travel. Travel like your life depended on it.

2011 - Mom's fight with cancer
Put family first. Always.

2012 - most challenging job in history
Do your best at work. Take pride in your effort.

2013 - first marathon
Run. You'll never regret it.

2014 - fourth devastating breakup
Listen to your heart. Even if it's telling you something you don't want to hear.

2015 - the best, most rewarding year of my life
Step up to the challenge. Even in the worst case scenario, you still win.

I clawed my way out of the hole that 2014 left me in and realized that I don't have to be sad, mad, or bitter about anything. I'm going to listen to every lesson I've learned in the past and apply it to 2015. Be independent, travel, invest in family and friends, excel at work, run 1,000 miles, follow and open your heart, and challenge yourself. And love every minute of it.