Moment: 2008- A New Year, A Fresh Start
"You only grow by coming to the end of something and by beginning something else." - T.S. Garp, the world according to Garp
So with that new beginning comes a world of gratitude for the year that has come and gone. A year that has undoubtedly been filled with many firsts, many highs and fortunately no lows. My life has been on the up and up this past year. With the start of my career, living out my dreams in New York City, piecing together my apartment and just starting my life. Really giving it a kick in the rear and jumping in (to whatever it is you jump into) with both feet, eyes open and arms outstretched. The best and only way to experience the things that lie ahead.
Looking at 2007, there's so many milestones that have made it truly a year to remember! Hardly one to forget and will forever be one for my personal books. As much as I wanted to celebrate my first new year's in a fancy loft with good friends, getting unnecessarily belligerent, toasting strangers and celebrating my youth, I can't say that ringing in the new year with my family wasn't special. It was really fantastic to have them come celebrate in new york with me in my apartment, being the host and treating each one after so many years of them treating me. There's no question that having the ability to give back to those that have been there feels awesome, and more than ever I've come to realize (whether it be the distance from them or something else) that in the end the only thing we all really have is our family. The material things will disappear, money will only get us so far, but if tomorrow it all were to fade away-- hopefully you know that your family is there to stand by you. It's almost silly to think how when we were younger (because we're still young) we were embarrassed and even at times ashamed of where we come from. Now, it's as if every moment with my grandparents and relatives is something to be cherished and held onto. Not to be taken for granted...they are far too special to me to let it just be another moment in time. So, I hug a little tighter, smile a little harder and laugh a little louder while I have them around these few days.
So for 2008-- what can I wish for myself? In Colombia we have this tradition that at midnight we serve the champagne into a glass filled with 12 grapes. When the clock strikes 12 you cheers, drink up and eat each grape one-at-a-time making a wish for each one. Of course, I wished for continued success, love, happiness, fortune, good health, my family etc. etc. etc. But I think more than anything, and I suppose this could be a resolution, I simply want to live a fulfilling life. One that I can be proud of when I'm 75 years old. Doesn't everyone? I'd like to lively happily-- let the little things bead off me like rain drops that aren't absorbed into your winter coat (weird analogy-haha). I want to continue to be genuine and embrace it more with those people I value. I want to be strong, not in the physical sense, but strong in the sense of standing up for my opinions with courage and not letting people walk all over me-- all in a respectful matter of course. I'd like to remain driven and more than anything focused-- that means shaking off the laziness, accepting situations and staying on task. As much as I hate routine, I think at this stage in my life and career, I need a routine to keep me on track for my ultimate goals. All things considered, these are achievable and very much attainable by reasonable means. So where do I stray throughout the year? Where can I possibly go wrong? One word: Temptation. Maybe that would be a good new year's resolution....not succumbing to temptation. The temptation to skip the gym, the temptation to call in sick, or stay up later than usual, the temptation to purchase outside my means for the month when I know there are far bigger things I want. But in New York City...ignoring temptation is like hailing a taxi on a rainy afternoon in Midtown-- impossible. This city thrives on temptation. It's the magnetic force pulling millions of people onto the tiny island every day. But I refuse to let this city change me-- it should only enhance me. That's my goal for 2008...expand on my strengths and work on my weaknesses. Become a better, more well-rounded individual that's cultured, knowledgeable and most of all sincere.
So here's to a new year. A new beginning. A fresh start. To ultimate success, love, happiness, good health and a fulfilling year.
I wish you all the best in the New Year. Here's to 2008. Lets make it another one for the books. Just remember to embrace it.
-dru captured
