2 years
As the year comes to an end, I thought it might be useful to take look back at the last few years of my life. A fair amount has happened.
They say your University years are the ones that shape you, which I can agree with. I started a business with one of my best friends from Uni and came out of my time at Loughborough with my eyes open. I felt liberated, like I could do anything. But I have a feeling that these last 2 years will be the ones that bring clarity and focus to my life. The forging of the steel.
I don’t want to dwell on anything too much, good or bad, but I do want to take a minute to reflect on what the defining moments of the last few years have taught me.
Understanding loss
The last few years have really put into perspective what it feels like to really lose something. Having people taken from your life who you truly care more about than yourself is a feeling of absolute powerlessness and something I can’t fully explain.
There was no way I could control what happened and I will never forgot those who we lost as a family, but I can’t do anything about it except continue to love them for who they where, what they taught me and keep moving forward. I’m positive it’s what they would have wanted.
Being loved
I got married this year. I had been with Anna nearly 8 years when we tied the knot in August (although there is a much longer funnier story to go with this I will save that for another day).
Having someone who you can talk to honestly about your goals and fears is something you can’t replace. But having someone who can support you at your lowest is irreplaceable and something I don’t plan on losing.
The importance of family & friends
Having close personal networks that can give you a kick up the arse when you’re being a dick, but care and support you when you truly need it has never been more important to me. I have friends and family that have helped me out in many ways these last few years and I will be forever in their debt. I won’t forget their kindness and honest words, but having them their at all is something special.
Doing something you love
Everyday I get up at 5am, go to the gym then head into work. I call it work because I haven’t got another word for it, but the way others describe their “work” to me makes me feel that one of us has got it wrong.
I have a set of goals I want to achieve short and long-term, and everyday I set out to make that list a tiny bit shorter. It doesn’t always work out like that, sometimes I add to that list, but I’m the one adding to them, no one else.
I get to make the decisions that will shape my life and I love that, I’m not sure I could do it any other way.
The next 2 years
I have my goals set, my list ready and my pencil sharpened.
I am going to continue to love the people around me, remember those who have been there for me and accept every challenge that comes at me.
I want to learn to let go of the things I can’t control, and focus on the ones I can. To learn from my mistakes and challenge myself and everyone around me to be better every day.
So let’s get started.