25 Questions // 04

16. Where has self-doubt taken over?

Where hasn't it taken over? I think self-doubt surrounds me, though I have a very high tolerance and can typically keep it at bay. It can arise at any moment though – if I fall behind at work, skip a workout, get a zit...luckily there's some great ammunition for self-doubt: friends, wine, and yoga.

17. When have I felt the most alive?

Traveling. The thrill of traveling, exploring a new city, seeking out its beauty and its quirks – that's when I feel most alive. Even if it's 15 or 1500 miles away.

18. How have I taught others to respect me?

I think people respect me because I am true to and respect myself. Standing by my opinions and choices while respecting the opinions and choices of others creates a mutual respect. When the respect is mutual, not much teaching is involved.

19. How can I improve my relationships?

I'd like to think I have a good handle on the relationships that matter in my life, though there's always room for improvement. I try to ensure I call, text, Facetime and snail mail, but there's probably room to send random pick-me-ups or plan a special get together.

20. Have I been unfair to anyone?

I hope not. I strive to treat everyone I meet similarly. I suppose I've been unfair to my friends and family for not visiting as much as I'd like, though I think we all understand it's not as easy to get together as it once was.

25 Questions // 03

11. When did I feel most creatively inspired?

Coming home from India in January 2013, I felt the most inspired. It was like a refreshed-inspired. I had seen so many gorgeous things and been exposed to so much culture. I also had the privilege of traveling with many very talented creative individuals – each with their own skills and preferred mediums. 

12. What projects have I completed?

I completed a few freelance design projects in 2013 which was exciting. I completed several of my many attempted DIYs. I completed my visual identity and portfolio just in time to start looking for jobs. And then of course finding a job was a project in itself.

13. How have I procrastinated?

I have a tendency to put things off and then scram to complete them in an short amount of time. I procrastinate with simple things – like making calls to setup appointments – to more major things – like doing laundry or washing my car ( which literally looks about 50 shades of grey at the moment ). Then one day I get fed up with all the things I've put off and attempt to complete in a day's time. Not ideal.

14. In what ways can I re-structure my time?

I'd like to think I've got a handle on my time management since I started working full-time. I could probably use a little more of my "down time" to do more productive things, but everyone deserves to kick back and relax a little. Am I right? I do my best work in the morning hours, so I'm starting to embrace morning workouts and tackling more difficult work projects earlier in the day.

15. How have I allowed fear of failure hold me back?

I think 2013 was one of my best years in terms of not being held back by fear. I sometimes cave under the anxiety of situations outside of my control, but took the leap of faith this year and am tackling the "real-world" head on. Plus, I like to think that there's no such thing as failure – it's a learning experience, and it's better to have lived and learned than to have been held back by fear or anxiety. 

25 Questions // 02

06. What lessons have I learned?

I have learned that the people you want to be in your life are usually those that are also willing to make an effort. But because the effort is mutual, it doesn't really feel all that difficult.

I've learned that anxiety is just a fact of life, though I'm starting to have a better idea of what triggers it for me. And I've learned that I can sleep well and that I'm not doomed for eternity. ( Hallelujah! )

I've also continued to learn how traveling – both near and far – is so so good for the soul. In so many ways. The things you learn, experience, and see cannot be replaced by anything money can buy. ( Except maybe for the next plane ticket! )

Among all, though, I've learned that mac and cheese is the savior of all saviors when it comes to my hangovers. Never have I ever been so thankful for a box of processed shaped noodles and orange cheesy powder. And judge me all you want, but it's better just to know than to suffer.

07. What did my finances look like?

Like they were diminishing every second. What started as an, "Oh, I have a full-time job – I'm good," attitude quickly escalated to an all-out cry fest at my parent's house. Thankfully I was blessed with a father who not only understands finances, but is diligent about helping me maintain mine. Because of him, I've already got a good start on my savings and I don't even know what life would be like with those funds because I never really had the chance.

08. How did I spend my free time?

In college, I spent my time hanging out with my friends gabbing about guys and life and hopes and dreams, and going out and having fun. It was glorious and I miss it dearly. Now I spend my free time catching up on all the boring things of daily life – laundry, dishes, and groceries. Though I still don't pass up an opportunity for fun when it presents itself!

09. How well did I take care of my body, mind, and soul?

I was a bitch to my body in college – too much alcohol + junk food, not enough exercise...or maybe it was half-assed exercise. I did try to feed my mind and soul, though, through travel, experience, and conversation. I think that counts for something.

10. How have I been open-minded?

I've been accepting to all of the people I've met, and treat them all fairly and without judgement. Instead of dismissing people's viewpoints or hobbies because they aren't similar to mine, I attempt to ask questions and learn more. I find it more interesting to learn about the unfamiliar then to travel down a one-way street.

Image Cred

25 Questions // 01

I had bookmarked an article about recapping 2013 a while back and am finally getting around to actually answering the questions. I plan to do five posts of 5 questions each. I know it's a little late, but if nothing else, this will be a great way to track my personal and professional progress over the course of the year. Feel free to join in!

01. What am I most proud of this year?

I had a few major moments in 2013. The first was graduating college in May. Two degrees, an ample amount of experience in a variety of fields and industries, and confidence in my education was definitely something I am proud of. 

The second was accepting a job ( in my field ) and moving to a new city without knowing anyone. I'm proud of myself for being brave and not letting fear or anxiety get the best of me. I now know that I am capable of surviving on my own, have the ability to make new friends, and gained confidence in myself knowing that change can be exciting.

02. How can I become a better version of myself?

By maintaining an active lifestyle – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Even though I enjoy sticking to a routine, I find I am most happy when I am trying new things. Reading an exciting book, finding a new workout class, trying out a new happy hour spot...I think keeping it fresh keeps me feeling refreshed.

Though I'm all for lazy days on the couch with Netflix, I'm not one who enjoys prolonged periods of stillness. I prefer to be on the move, so I think my biggest challenge to becoming a better version of myself will be motivating myself to keep at it.

03. Where am I feeling stuck?

Physically, I feel stuck in the Midwest. I feel stuck that in this big, wonderful world, I'm in the middle of the map. And while I don't necessarily want to go live off the land with whatever I can fit in a backpack, I definitely don't want to get too comfortable in one place.

04. Where do I need to allow myself grace?

I need to allow myself grace about how I choose to live my life. Too often it's easy to let the opinions and influences of others get to my head. If I feel confident in my decisions, it's unfair for anyone but me to question my motives. Not jumping on the bandwagon is 100% acceptable.

05. Am I passionate about my career?

I am passionate about the potential my career has to offer. At the moment, there are definitely areas I feel are lacking ( feeling fulfilled, creating meaningful work, client interaction ). However, I also understand there's much more to learn and much more experience to gain before I'm in the position to seek out exactly what I want from my career. For now, I love learning, being challenged, and interacting with those who have been working in the field for many years.