As I sit here on New Year’s Eve, I’ve reflected quite a bit on the past year. What a crazy and memorable one it has been. Maybe not for the best reasons but nonetheless, some great memories came from it. With all the time at home, I’ve been able to learn a lot about myself and what the future holds for me.
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The World Isn’t Waiting: There were so many things that I wanted to do this year but didn’t get the chance to. I was supposed to have the trip of a lifetime and study abroad in Italy, take several trips with friends, finally go to a Michigan football game with my college friends, tailgate our asses off, and just simply live like there is no tomorrow. The world isn’t waiting for you to make these memories. Life is not ready to be lived later.
Relationships are Hard: This one really resonates with me. With all the distance between friends and family, it has put a strain on these relationships. We have to work even harder to keep these relationships and some have struggled. Reach out to your loved ones, schedule facetime dates, social distanced plans, anything to keep your loved ones near.
Spontaneity Brings Growth: My number one goal this year is to be more spontaneous. I am an extreme planner and have tried to plan every part of my life since I was very young. The harsh truth with that is that no matter how much you plan, those plans change. There was a week long period last year where I was the most spontaneous I’ve ever been and that was simply because I had nothing else to do. I booked an appointment to get a tattoo I had been wanting for a while, booked the trip of a lifetime for my post-grad self, and applied on an internship with a magazine in NYC which I just started. Spontaneity is where growth occurs and where you learn the most about all your can accomplish. Live with no regrets.
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I know 2021 will bring its own challenges, but I’m excited to get the new year started and take what I have learned from 2020, not only to 2021 but the rest of my life. As I start the new year as President of my sorority, a second (virtual) internship in NYC and my second virtual semester of my fourth year of college, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next 365 days. Bring in on 2021, I’m ready for you.
XOXO, Tayler
Tayler Renee May 