2021 goes like this….

Every New Year's Eve, I have a tradition of writing my reflection for the year. A tradition that I never get tired of doing.?

2021 goes like this….

Twelve months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours, and 525,600 minutes is what we each get in a year to make memories, achieve goals, learn lessons, cry, overcome obstacles, live to the fullest, adapt, and continue to move forward. Each year grants the opportunity to reset, start over, stop, continue, or maintain. The end of one year is a chance to reflect and embrace everything you have accomplished, the lives you have impacted, the memories you have created, the losses you have endured, and the gains that life has given to you. Self-reflection is one of the most rewarding exercises anyone can do because it enables you to heal from the pain caused by loss, obstacles, and sometimes the inevitable. Self-refection creates the opportunity for you to celebrate your wins and share your triumphs with those around you. Regardless of what they are, sharing your accomplishments helps inspire and motivate the people in your life. Your successes and your perseverance give others hope to make a difference in one's life and the life of others and the hope to continue to face life with courage and enthusiasm.?

As 2021 comes to an end, it's the perfect opportunity to do some reflecting. I encourage you to take a few minutes from what's left of the 525,600 minutes this year to reflect on what you have experienced. Ask yourself, what is your most memorable moment of 2021? What did you learn from it, and what will you do differently due to that moment? What are you most proud of? Your self-reflection will allow you to begin your first page of 2022 with excitement, pride, and determination. Remember that you don't have to wait until week 52 to reflect.?

Fifty-two weeks ago, I sat down and wrote my vision for 2021. I knew that 2021 would be another year to bring many obstacles. Amid an ongoing pandemic and juggling life, I remained enthusiastic about taking on every day as it came and making the best of it. The year was also full of great surprises and unexpected ones. I look back to the last 12 months and smile and feel so proud of all that my husband and I accomplished together. A few of my 2021 highlights include:?

? Celebrated my parent's 40th wedding anniversary?

? Established a regular exercise routine?

? Lost 27lbs?

? Learned to relax and give back to me?

? I managed to save two out five wild bunnies in our yard?

? I volunteered twice along with my colleagues at the Northern Illinois Food Bank and was able to produce 2418 meals?

? Safely traveled to Mexico twice?

? I met incredible people through the Plainfield Pride group and established great friendships?

? I was a guest speaker twice for two virtual public events. The topics were "experience of being Latinx and LGBTQIA+" and "growing up LGBTQIA+ the importance of affirming family and spaces."

? I wore a Speedo for the first time in my life in public and felt confident!?

? Went to my very first Drag Brunch to the Walnut Room in Chicago along with my hubby, my best friend, and his BF (my secretly other BFF)?

? Had a wonderful weekend getaway to Galena with my husband, our daughters, my best friend, and her husband?

? Served as Director of Mentorship for the Association for Talent Development Chicago

? Re-design and rolled out the Mentorship Program, most requested benefit by our members for the Association for Talent Development Chicago

? I got to see my favorite music artist Ricky Martin live in concert!?

? Had a magical and wonderful Christmas weekend getaway with the hubby and my girls to Downtown Chicago. We were able to have a Chicago tourist experience?

? I complete my Bachelor of Science program with a concentration in Human Resource Management! (More to come)?

? Had many excellent bonding moments with my daughters?

? Reconnected and bonded with my cousins on my father's side – I am forever grateful

? My husband and I paid down some debt

? I learned to appreciate more downtime and enjoyed living in the moment?

Life is not and will never be a perfect journey. Without the struggles, we face we cannot learn and grow. I continue to challenge myself to keep an open mind and always look for the opportunity to learn something new or learn from an obstacle or hurdle that life brings me. It doesn't matter how challenging the barrier is. I make it a point to learn from it.

As we move forward, I will make sure that I continue to see the good in every situation. No matter how difficult a situation may be, there is always a purpose and some good that can come from it. Whether it is peace of mind, comfort, a needed change, or even just a chance to let go.?

I am embracing what is to come in 2022. Good and challenging, I am ready. There is nothing we cannot overcome with my husband by my side. I have many goals to accomplish this new year, some from 2021 and 2020 that will carry over. My first goal is to prioritize and maintain my work-life balance. Serenity and peace are essential. Make a list, but don't turn it into a race. One thing at a time, and don't forget to reflect along the way, readjust and keep moving forward.?

As 2021 comes to an end, I want to wish all of you, near and far, a prosperous, fantastic, healthy, and full of love new year! May 2022 bring you all you desire, and may the obstacles that come with it become opportunities for your future. Let us not take any moments for granted.?

Cheers to you all, Happy New Year!

#nye #nye2022 #beleive #neverstoplearning #reflection #evolvetogether #evolvingwithben #pride #goals #nevergiveup