Some very important changes have come about in the 2013 year. In my personal life, with my blog, and some extra curricular too. Resolutions are hard to keep going for an entire 365 with the same gumption that began them on January first, and in my case the reason is that I tend to forget I even made them in the first place. Hence why I would much rather take a critical look at the past year then try to put the same drive into the upcoming year, and in a few areas, quite a bit more.
If you have been a reader for more than a few months, you will have noticed the addition of photo’s onto my blog. This was one of the more challenging decisions that I made in 2013. Coming to terms with my openness not just by writing, but with action as well, and now the added visual aspect took a little while to wrap my head around. It was a change that I was toying with for over a year, and finally brave enough to press the add picture button towards later part of the year. I look forward to seeing where my photographers want to take the pictures as it is a whole new place of artistic expression which I feel adds depth to my work, and seems to have added a few readers as well. On a side note, if you enjoy photography, have any new ideas, perhaps just a brand new camera to break in, and would like to contribute in that end I would love to hear from you.
The coolest challenge that I worked on was in regards to my non writing hobbies, which mainly includes skydiving. On thanksgiving I achieved my AFF in Canada, and obtained the same status in the US a few months later. Being able to solo jump is one of the more challenging tasks I have undertaken. It is physically exhausting at times, weather frustrating and of course expensive. With that said, I have always loved plane rides combined with the feeling of leaving a plane for those few seconds of freefall is an experience that I will not even attempt to describe, simply it is amazing. Sweat, a little blood and many tears have gone into this sport thus far, and I look forward to enjoying the laughter and thrills for years to come now that I have overcome the pass or fail stage.
Now for the personal side of things, which I know is why you all keep coming back. Moving in with E was a roller coaster of emotions. From long distance, to full time, to long distance and back again, we went from intermediate communicators to near experts. The foundation that we built over the past few years was critical in helping us survive the challenges that our relationship has faced over the last 6 months especially. Learning to let go of that fear of rejection and just love with my whole heart is my most treasured accomplishments thus far. I could never have achieved this without a partner who allows me to fail, and supports me when I pick myself back up. I am so grateful for the partner I have found, through the ups and downs.
And finally, a complete understanding of the phrase ‘blood is thicker than water’, in that, the original quote is “the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb”. I have been working towards building strong relationships with the friends around me, and letting go of all the commitments I felt obligated towards ie blood family members who do not show respect for me or my loved ones. I redefined the meaning of the word family, found real peace of mind letting go of some blood ties that I allowed for far too long to affect me. Blood kinship in my opinion should never be an obligation, it should be a privilege, or at the very least a mutually beneficial relationship. There are still a few places I may trip up, but for the most part, I have let go of the emotional burden a few select members of my family have placed on my life.
2013 was filled with soul searching, finding a real sense of peace, and accepting who I am. Finding my own confidence to take risks and not rely on the superficial or superimposed bonds that I had for so long, and that weighed a little too heavily in on my mind. 2014 will result in some fairly large goals being achieved if I am able to keep the same momentum, and that will result in a very natural and pleasant progression from 2013. I am energized and excited to share my continued journey with you all.