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by • September 13, 2011 • Life As I Know It, Professional DevelopmentComments (0)1262

Has It Been A Year Already?

I titled this post after a question myself, my colleagues and my friends have been asking over and over again as it finally sinks in that September is upon us. With so many anniversaries and occasions for me to celebrate this month, including my one year anniversary at work and a celebration of another successful trip around the sun (my birthday), I thought it was time to do a little reflecting on some lessons learnt over the past 365 days. In true Lisa fashion, I’ve done a little word association to help me explain just how ‘awesome’ this past year has been:

A is for Accidentally on Purpose. As much as I could attribute my successes (and failures) and opportunities (and obstacles) to luck or chance, I’ve often used this phrase to describe where opportunity and hard work have met. As Thomas Jefferson said “I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it”.

W is for Waiting and Watching. I’ve been fighting my ‘E’ a lot this year. I’ve begun to see and appreciate the value in slowing down, being present, pausing and reflecting on where this amazing journey has taken me so far. While I continue to plan for the future, I am continually reminded that being present is one of the best gifts you can give others, and yourself.

E is for Engagement. Being present and in the moment to me means living life LOUD! Learning to revel in the present and dive in with both feet has brought me amazing experiences (another possible ‘e’ word candidate) and shown me that I’m capable of more than I ever thought possible.

S is for Surprise  Good or bad, the surprises I’ve gotten this year have changed me for the better.  I’ve had to let go a bit to truly love a good surprise (it very much goes against my need to plan) but it has never been more apparent to me that “life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans”.

O is for Open.  Doors have opened for me, either when I turned the knob or someone else helped me unlock them. To walk through these doors, I also learnt to be open to new experiences and dancing as far along the edge of my comfort zone as I could.

M is for Mentor. I am continually in awe of all of YOU! Your passion, dedication, smarts and outright silliness are a source of inspiration I am truly grateful for. I have found support and love in the most unlikely of places and I’m a better person for it.

E is for Embrace. Hugs are my favourite adhesive. (It’s true, I even have the t-shirt). Getting to hug new and old friends alike this year has been, yes, awesome.

How about you? What’s made this past year AWESOME?

Want to continue the conversation? Tweet me! 

 

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