New Year, Big Goals.

Welcome all to 2021!

I have always enjoyed New Years Eve. As I have grown up, the traditions have changed over the years. I am nearing my thirties and so I have begun to take more of a meditative pause as the clock strikes midnight. Rather than be around friends and family, I like to spend my final days or hours in reflection. This year, I decided to do a year-end review and look back at what I had written down for myself last New Years. In 2020, I focused on seven words: authenticity, ruminate, explore, self-care, love, evolution, and mindfulness.

As I read through the definition and goals/thoughts I wrote down for each of them, I was surprised. In the back of my mind, I knew the words that I was focused on for this past year, but this document wasn't something that I opened or looked at throughout the year to remind myself of my goals. I was surprised because a lot of what I wrote down, I was able to achieve. There are some opportunities that were presented to me that I would never have dreamed of had it not of been for some of the goals I set out to achieve.

For example, one goal I wrote down was to live in another country or state this year. I was given the opportunity to play soccer in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic for 5.5 months. I somewhat jokingly wrote down "live in another country or state" because to me, it was impossible given my college soccer coaching commitment. Nevertheless, while in Australia, it set me on a path to pursue a PhD in 2021upon completion of my graduate assistant position. Undertaking a PhD is something I never saw as a possibility for myself.

As I read back through my past resolutions and my journals, I look at the seeds that were planted. I am just beginning to realize the power of the written word for myself through journaling. I see it as a way to express my unconscious thoughts, wants, and desires and see how they will manifest in my life.

So, what is in store for me this year? It is no surprise that I expect big things of myself. I am currently a C License candidate, I will be applying to a PhD program in two weeks, I will be completing my Master's degree within the next two months upon completion of my research project, and I have signed my next contract as a player in Australia.

Thank you for your continued support my fellow community!