2019: Year in Review
I posted this photo on my Instagram last night, because it pretty much sums up the year. I captioned it with this:
We've had love/hate relationship, this year and I. But, this year, more than others past, I fought for happiness. I found it in the small moments when disappointment and rejection were the only things I felt. In the coffee dates. In the laughter with coworkers. In the quiet times of writing. On the road trips with friends. While flying across the world to London, Italy and the Netherlands. In the mornings when sunlight broke through the window. In the lyrics and vocals at concerts. In the glimpses of dreams to come. In the confusion. In the questions. In the days in the sun. While dancing in the rain. There was a lot more to the smiles and trips posted on Instagram, though. Not pictured were the tears, the anxiety, pushing through the depression to get up in the morning and wondering what this whole thing is for some days. But, looking back at the photos and videos on my phone, I realized that through it all, I've still had my people around me. I've found my tribe. I'm so encouraged by them and they've all helped me get...here. To this moment. Thankful and content, for all the things that didn't work out and all of the wishes that didn't come true. For all of the ones who left. I look forward to the magic to come.
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As I've read page after page in my journals over the last few days, I've noticed something - that even as hard as this year felt while I was in the middle of it, boy, did I have a lot of fun, too. That even on my hardest days, I had coworkers, who have become some of my best friends and family, to encourage me and remind me to not give up, because this is just the beginning. I had other friends outside of work to laugh with and take road trips with or fly across the world with for other adventures to completely forget about my day to day. I had my family to listen to my constant venting and wondering how this was all going to come together and to simply do life with. I know that in spite of the hardships and the heartbreaking moments of loss, I am also extremely blessed and see God moving throughout.
Here are a few of the highlights:
I went to Palm Springs and saw Bradley Cooper in the flesh, and also met Rami Malek and Timothee Chalamet.
Celebrated my birthday in LA all weekend - Downtown LA and Santa Monica with friends and brunch at the Chateau Marmont with my parents.
Exploring at Red Rocks, CA with my friend, Nicole.
Oscar pop up shop and Kelly & Ryan After Oscar Show at the Dolby Theatre.
Justin Timberlake concert with my friend/coworker, Sarah at Staples Center.
Driving to see the poppies with my parents in Antelope Valley.
Laker game for my dad's birthday.
Working on productions at work.
Disneyland with my best friend, Marissa.
Joined Bumble - that lasted like two weeks.
Turned in application for Warner Brothers Writing Program.
Seeing Carrie Underwood in concert
Seeing Celine Dion in concert
Commencement at work - working is always so much fun!
President's Investiture week - lots of events with the best team around.
Breakfast, lunch and coffee dates with friends.
Doing the challenge course/zipline for team bonding at work.
Applied to Ron Howard's Impact Program for screenwriting and television.
Went to London, Italy and The Netherlands and had the time of my life! So many bucket list moments.
Met Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried and Garth Stein, author of "The Art of Racing in the Rain."
Voyage LA did an article about me and working in PR/future goals.
Big Bear with a few coworkers/friends - the perfect trip to unwind from Europe.
Dodger games
Watched a lot of Colin Firth movies.
Worked on a lot of scriptwriting and writing in general, as well as getting feedback on said scripts.
Kacey Musgraves concert (FINALLY)
Playing the Jonas Brothers' "Chasing Happiness" and Taylor Swift's "Lover" on repeat for months after they came out.
Visiting The Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita
Starting a new Bible Study
Trip to Cambria with one of my best friends - we ate in cafes, we walked around the small town, listened to all of the 70s and 80s music while driving and tried not to let the craziness of the week get to us.
The County Fair with friends
Disneyland with my parents at Halloween
Took a trip to the beach with my parents for the day.
Took a trip to the Kern River with my parents and visited their harvest festival.
Friendsgiving event at Warner Brothers with my aunt - eating at the commissary and taking the Friends themed tour.
Bowling with my public affairs team for our Christmas celebration
Christmas party with my office.
Gilmore girls holiday event at Warner Brothers with my mom and one of my best friends.
Christmas with family at home - it was simple, but beautiful.
Signed on to be a committee member for the Women's March in my city to coordinate media.
I went to the movie theater a lot and became a Regal Club member, so that's exciting.
It's been a full year. For the most part, I accomplished what I set out to do. I applied to writing programs I wanted, even though I didn't get in. I got back up time and time again. I made new friends. I built on the friendships I already had. I traveled to the UK. I tried to be open dating, though it didn't quite work in my favor (again) and that's okay. I made time for friends and laughter and being young. I worked hard - I had a few things published. I still have a long way to go, but I made progress and that's what matters. I worked on my health and nutrition and learned a lot about myself in the process.
Which brings us to New Year's Eve - a look back at the wins and losses, and a time to ponder what worked before launching into the next thing. Tonight, after the festivities have ended, I'll sit alone and think about what I want out of this next year. Who I hope to be. I don't put too much pressure on achieving every single thing, but I make it a road map for where I hope to be next year. But, I know that every day I have the opportunity to put whatever I set my mind to. I don't have to wait for a new year to set a new goal or complete one.
Happy New Year, everyone! Be safe out there tonight.
That's all for now,
Shelby