A Single Girls Rock Year in Review

As I close out 2014, I feel compelled to look back (before I look forward) and think about what I’ve learned and perhaps didn’t learn.

1. I learned that no matter what you’re going through, it will pass. I had some financial struggles that I’m thankful are now in my rear view mirror. There were moments I felt I’d be forever stuck in a money pit; however, the issues were resolved and my bank account can now exhale.
2. I learned that sometimes you just gotta say ‘fuck it’ and jump in the deep end of the ocean no matter how scared you are that you’ll sink or a shark might attack you. I did that by launching SGR and while it’s not where I want it to be, it’s no longer just a thought in my head.
3. I learned that sometimes my fears are bigger than my reality.
4. I learned everybody that came with you can’t go with you. Some people you have to let go of, for your sake and for theirs. I have a tendency to want to hold tight to the things I know and am comfortable with, but that leaves little room for growth.
5. I’ve learned that writing feels like exhaling but it’s the thing that can be the most difficult for me to do; exposing yourself and your vulnerabilities through writing that is.
6. I learned that single guys rock too (special shout out to Single Man, MD for his guest posts that give a us a glimpse into what goes on in a man’s head).
7. I figured out that I’m a classic introvert with extrovert tendencies. I enjoy going out and socializing but have to mentally prepare to do so. I learned that I hate small talk. I’ve spent at least an hour on the phone talking about very little and can’t wait to get off the phone; but can spend 30 minutes talking about thought provoking topics and can feel my neurons get all tingly.
8. I don’t have all the answers (there, I said it), but I learned that’s okay.
9. I now know my relationship status does not define me. Being ‘me’ and not part of ‘we’ is enough, sometimes it’s more than enough.
10. I also now know that I’m not defined by my past, present and future mistakes. All they can do is inform me.
11. I learned my voice has value.
12. I’m still figuring out this whole ‘single girls rock’ thing both for myself and my blog.
13. I’ve learned sometimes you have to be still to really hear. I’m learning everyone has a story and you just have to listen.
14. I’ve learned my words have an impact.
15. I haven’t met ‘the one’ but am learning (slowly but surely) that I’m okay regardless.
16. I realized I spend a lot of time doing nothing that serves me in no way (procrastination, party of one!). I’ve learned consistency is not my strong suit, but neither is patience so I’m going to have to work really hard to develop these skills.
17. I’ve learned to laugh until I can’t catch my breath and when I cry that there will be at least one shoulder to lean on cause I’m learning how to lean.
18. I know that no matter how grown I am, I’ll always want my mommy and I’ll always be daddy’s little girl.
19. I’m learning that while being vulnerable is scary, again, it’s part of growth and connecting with people.