Now. Here. This. Revisited.

Way back in 2012, I wrote a blog titled, "Now, Here, This" and it sort of became my mantra for the year. Since then, it's really stuck with me...and although I have a hard time living it every day, I have kept the idea of living in the moment with me. As it is the beginning of the new school year (seemingly more important to me than the "real" new year) I often find myself making goals, resolutions, and getting excited for the upcoming months.

Last year (during my incredibly long blog hiatus) I chose three traits I wanted to work on during the year. The first was to always be grateful. The second was to be gracious and the third was to present. I have to say, in my most Oprah-esque voice, that it changed my life. Constantly reminding myself to live breathe these three things daily changed how I saw the world. It changed how I responded to situations. 

That being grateful everyday for the blessings that I've had is so easy to do. Even if it was something as simple as being thankful that there wasn't traffic or a flight delay or that I never ran out of toilet paper.

Reminding myself to be gracious taught me that nobody likes an asshole, so I really should try not to act like one. That I need to be thoughtful and pleasant to everyone regardless of who tired I am or how dumb their question may have been or how slow the service was. It made me pause and it always reminded me that my story is only one in a sea of the human experience. 

Lastly, being present is something that I continued to learn from my time in the jungle. It was a little different then the idea of "now, here, this" because as I thought of it in jungle terms, it was to remind myself to not only enjoy the moment, but truly suck the life out of it. Which meant, putting whatever screen I had on in front of me down, going outside more and just being. My life can be a bit crazy----airports on a weekly basis, new hotel rooms every night, jet lag all the time. However, I realized that as I zoomed from one campus to the next, I was never taking advantage of the things around me. Being present reminded me that sometimes work emails can wait till later, but the beauty and calming nature of a hike or a quick run or even a trip to the outlets is good for the soul. It's where the memories are. 

I realized that no matter how stressful life became, if I at least went back to these three things, I was able to find an ounce of joy. I think I'm a much happier person than I was last year...but I know I'm not done yet. 

So as this school year has just begun, I've been trying to think of some new traits to work on this year. Because I have slight OCD, I'm of course keeping it to three. 

1. Confidence: I think I'm a pretty confident person, however, I know that I allow myself to fall into self-doubt. This year I hope to work on being strong in who I am and who I'm growing to be. I'm also working on being more confident in trusting my gut.

2. Be more bold: I blame Sheryl Sandburg on this one. After reading "Lean In" I realized some of the self-sabotaging I've done in my career and personal life. I think this one goes along with confidence pretty well. Hopefully it'll help me speak up more, learn to lead better.

3. Openness: This one is probably the hardest for me. Being open in every area of my life. Saying yes more or at least be more willing to look into new ideas and new opportunities and areas of growth both personally and professionally. 

I don't know where this year will take me, but I know it'll be an adventure regardless. Like they say on the Facts of Life, I'll take the good and I'll take the bad.