Tuesday, November 12, 2013

The Golden Year

American poet and philosopher, Henry David Thoreau shared, “You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment…”

How do you interpret this quote?

Me?  This quote defines my year.  My golden year:  2013.

Friends told me that 2013 was MY year.  How was I suppose to know what that meant?  For those who truly know my style of “dissecting” each and every thought and idea that clouds my mind, you know that THAT is my greatest strength.  But with ever strength there is a weakness.

Things I’ve learned in the past 11 months (listed in no particular order):
  1. It will work if you want it to work
  2. Consuming 3 cups of regular coffee (on an empty stomach) before noon helps me complete all my “A” listed priorities on my to-do list
  3. My Bible is my security
  4. Informality gives me hives
  5. “Quality-time” is my love language
  6. I cannot go with the flow – I’m a planner and damn proud of it!
  7. Processes are my friend and structure creates the foundation
  8. I’m a whiskey girl; I am my father’s daughter
  9. Everything truly does happen for a reason, even if that reason presents itself years after or even a few days to a few months later
  10. Every person you connect with will play an important role in your life, no matter how little time you connect with them.
  11. Tomorrow is never promised, so love with all of your heart
  12. Think of those you love before you fall asleep every night
  13. All you need is 20 minutes of high intensity exercise!
  14. Pasta makes me feel lethargic
  15. Cauliflower mash is bomb.com
  16. A broken heart is an opportunity to a fresh start
  17. Team work makes the dream work
  18. Wherever you are -  at work, at home or with your friends - you are who you surround yourself with
  19. I deserve to be around people who value me
  20. God has his ways of bringing you back to where you belong
Growing up, my parents worked long hours and overtime, when they could.  I work hard because they worked hard (and they still work hard).  Dad always told us, “Your mom and I want you to have what we couldn't have. So finish school, travel the world and take care of your health.”

There are three factors that I finally realized what make a great career, for me.  They are:
  1. A career that allows me to live the best quality of life, by surrounding me with people who value healthy living and career growth.
  2. A career that gives me opportunities to travel and see the world because my parents always shared that you will learn so much about yourself when you travel .
  3. A career that challenges me in ways that I am willing to take because the organization and people I represent are worth it.
I have about 2.5 weeks left in San Diego and I am moving back to where I consider home.  The end of this year will begin with a new role, new responsibilities and new opportunities.  I will be the Assistant Director for Full-Time MBA Recruitment and Admissions at the Merage School of Business at UC Irvine and back with an awesome team! 

The year of 2013 is MY year because of everything I have learned and experienced.  The year of 2013 is just an introduction to the rest of my life.  You stay classy San Diego.


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