I’ve spent the latter part of last month in review of my life over the last ~1 year. I assessed the high points, the low points, the consequences of certain decisions and the positive effects of others.
Below is a preview of my life retrospectively:
§ 1 + 1: one year and one month ago (12/1/09) I, for the last time, ended a relationship that I have to admit lasted 3 years too long. I dropped her off at Chicago O’Hare Airport, drove off and never looked back. I think we both knew it needed to end but clung to familiarity for so long, we feared letting go and starting anew. I’d like to think that was the best relationship decision I’ve made in years.
§ 1 + 1: one year and one week ago (week of 12/27/09), I slowly started to accept that a certain young lady may have seriously sought to pursue something more than our occasional restaurant rendez-vous’. I hesitated, however, as I considered the potential repercussions of entertaining a relationship. She was, as I confided in my cousin, “just a friend” but a friend nonetheless in a small circle of friends…dangerous indeed, but one of the better risks I’ve taken. Things didn’t work out as they could have (more to come later on), yet without reservation, it was the most refreshing relationship in years.
§ 1 + 1: one year and one night ago (late December 30th – early December 31st), Miss Lady (above) came over to watch an entire Entourage season (Sidebar: That show is arguably one of the greatest shows created!!! It wasn’t a question; I was stating a fact). We enjoyed the marathon…it’s the little things you share with that special someone (even if you don’t realize they, or whatever it is you’re sharing, are special in that moment) that are always most memorable… have mercy! **I’m referring to the Entourage marathon people…kindly keep it kosher…it’s only the second post. **
§ 1 - 1: one year minus one week (week of 1/10/10), I considered a career move after growing extremely frustrated with the corporate politics of public accounting. I located my resume one night and started updating it but was interrupted by a call from a friend. A lengthy conversation ensued where we discussed a host of random topics ranging from relationships to recent restaurants visited. Someway, somehow, based on that conversation, I walked away with the following: “All aspects of any career aren’t great and some days the work or people may piss you off to high hell! A career, however, is neither of the following: 1) a job, or 2) an emotion oriented relationship. As such, never let a career decision be driven by emotion; let it be a strategic separation.” I didn’t quit and am glad my plans were postponed.
§ 1 - 1: one year minus one month (~1/30/10), a decision I still regret was made, albeit not directly by me, that looking back should have given me pause, yet I overlooked. The details I’ll leave vague but the lesson learned was a reiteration of a quotation I’ve heard countless times: “When someone shows you their true character, believe them.” It really just hit me seconds ago while writing this; it makes perfect sense now.
§ 1 1: I took salsa lessons for 11 weeks… “Hi Haters”…I see you gasping and laughing at the thought of me salsa dancing…smh! It took me out of my comfort zone and initially I felt awkward. Admittedly, it was the most fun I’ve had in a while. I will definitely be re-enrolling later this year. What did I learn from that experience? Women who salsa (or Bachata…ANY woman I date going forward needs to know how to salsa/Bachata…if not, I will personally pay for her lessons…you think I’m playing?!?) are sexy specimens. All joking aside, the real lesson: learn to get comfortable out of your comfort zone.
§ 1 - 11: one year minus 11 months, or essentially last month, I finally walked away from a relationship reaching back 11 years. Simultaneously, 1 month ago to date, I made the all important strategic separation I contemplated ~11 months earlier and accepted another offer of employment.
“What you need, my fellow, is insight; which is vision in the moment, that’s the transfer point between hindsight and foresight.” – V.P. Mosser
I sit here 1/1/11 reminiscing on the year past and concluding, in hindsight, it was all good just a year ago…but my vision in the moment, transferring into foresight tells me it only looks better in the future.
--One
You are a good writer.
ReplyDeleteReading you blog had me thinking about my own past life, specifically the last two years. I try not to think about it, maybe it is the fear of re-visiting the thoughts and actions. but i learnt from the new year eve's service not to dwell in the past but to think about the future. Try not to repeat mistakes of the past in the future.
Love...
All I can say is that the salsa/Bachata classes were amazing and I am still looking for something like that in Jersey. I definitely did learn somethings from you last year and I promise to be more assertive this year.
ReplyDeleteOne Love....
Hey crazy cousins...ha ha! Thanks for the kind words.
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