Last year, I did few Reverb10 prompts in December. The first one was to encapsulate the year 2010 in one word and pick one word for 2011. Here’s what I wrote:
My 2010 word: centering 2009 was kind of in disarray for me. I was disillusioned by my work situation and running haggard. I quit my job in the depths of a recession without a job lined up. After which, I visited San Francisco with Alan and Boston to see bestie. I scrambled for another job and was unemployed for 5 months. I got certified to become a middle school biology teacher that cost me over 1000 dollars to attain but then couldn’t bring myself to apply to teaching jobs. I was occupationally unfocused. I had a falling out with a couple of friends that affected a wider circle of friends. I had a lot of highs and many great memories but the ride was bumpy and emotionally I felt very unsettled.
2010 was all about centering myself. I’m more at peace in my relationships. I’m more at peace with myself. I recouped the savings I spent while unemployed. I did not travel anywhere to save that money. I’ve had more time to sit and be with by myself which was a luxury I did not give myself in 2009. The alone time allowed me to read almost double the books I read in 2009, keep a cleaner and more organized home, write more letters to my long distance loves, and create more. I prioritized my true friends and stopped wasting as much time with the acquaintances. All of which had a centering affect on my soul. The unease of 2009 has dissipated and I’m feeling grounded.
My 2011 word: endeavor In 2011, I want to try my hands on more instead of idly daydreaming. I want to knock on more doors and set more things in motion. Maybe I’ll fall into something fantastic.
At the tail end of 2011, I think I want to pick the same word for 2012. I mentioned previously that I’m in funk because I feel like I haven’t found that calling.
This year, I kept my heart open and dabbled in a few more hobbies and fulfilled all my travel resolutions. Vancouver with Alan and road-tripping in the East Coast with my BFF are definite highlights of the year.
I finally overcame my fear of cooking Vietnamese food. Making Vietnamese food for the first time in my life made me feel closer to my roots. In cooking some of the dishes my mom used to make me growing up, I felt a connection to her. I am a bona fide daddy’s girl. I talk to my dad every weekday but only talk to my mom a few times a month. In researching and googling Asian ingredients, I felt a deeper appreciation for the care my mom provided me as a child. It also gave me more reasons to call her and seek her culinary advice.
I discovered the joy of collaboration. I have a product idea simmering with Deesh and Brandi. I have another project with Kim that I’m really excited about but haven’t had the time to develop. (The holidays kind of sneaked up on us!) I share a Youtube Channel with four lovely, smart, and funny girls that started in May. I was more active in the Austin food scene and even scored a cameo on a cable TV show because of it. I surrounded myself with inspiring people.
Maybe I’m laying down the bricks of something huge.
So again, in 2012 I choose the word endeavor. In hopes to find a path that feels right.