My life in 2015

My original reflection was going to be negative, focusing on my regrets and how I could change in 2016. It wasn’t until I stumbled on this Buzzfeed article, 30 Questions You Should Ask yourselfBefore 2016 that I decided to delete it and start again. The questions in the article were thoughtful and more positive. You might like to answer the questions yourself. I didn’t answer all 30 questions as there were some that were not relevant to me.

What did you do this year that you’re proud of?

I’m most proud of changing my life to be more environmentally mindful and starting a more balanced diet. It was after I read Suzuki’s Green Guide that I realized that everything you do impacts the environment. So I was more conscious as a consumer as a result. It also meant more time staring at products in the store weighing up on which was more ethical and what could I afford!

Starting a more balanced diet came from my doctor telling me I was close to having high blood pressure. He advised that I reduce my salt intake, avoid fatty food and lose weight. I have since been eating more fruit and vegetables and less meat.

What did you read that you think bettered you?

8 Key Ways to End Bullying: Strategies for parents & schools by Signe Whitson and Suzuki’s Green Guide by David Suzuki and David R. Boyd were the most thought provoking books I read in 2015.

  I read 8 Key Ways to End Bullying: Strategies for parents & schools because I wanted to learn how to effectively help bullied students. I learnt that the bystanders have a huge impact on bullying, 90% of bullying occurs where there is no adult supervision and that when a student tells you they have been bullied, they do so as a last resort. I recommend this book to parents and teachers.

Suzuki’s Green Guide got me in interested in sustainability. I became more conscious of my role in the world and I became a tree hugger.

What are songs that you will always hear and think of this year even when you’re listening on some contraption that hasn’t even been invented yet?

I will always think of Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars and Hotline Bling by Drake when I think of 2015.

What were your favorite movies? Not what was good, not what you had to see because of your friends or the media. What were your favorites?

My favourite movies I saw in 2015 were The Martian, When Marnie was there, Inside Out, Kingsmen and Spy.

What were quotes that you loved this year?

I don’t remember what the exact quote was but I was particularly taken with a line from Peter Carey’s book, Oscar And Lucinda. The book is about two oddballs who fall in love and it is set in Australian colonial times. Although I don’t remember the words I do remember the sentiment. To summarize line I liked said that, Lucinda would go on to do many great things despite the tragedy and that she would be remembered. It was just a reminder that you can survive any tragedy.

What are ways that you exercised self care?

I began to say No more which made me disagreeable to some people. I think some people take me for granted and expect me do things for them without considering that I have my own stuff to do.

What are things you want to see more of next year?

I want to see new places.

What are the most important things you learned this year?

I shouldn’t give up and I should work hard.

What are some places where you feel true joy in your life?

I love being outdoors particularly in parks and beaches.

Where do you feel most yourself?

At home.

What were your favorite meals?

I was obsessed with noodles last year. I love ramen and udon.

How did you calm yourself in times of stress?

I go for a walk in the park and talk it out with friends and family.

Who are people that you believe are bringing out the best in you?

My friends always encourage me.

What are you excited about leaving behind in 2015? 

I am excited about leaving behind all the stress.

What are five things that you were hard on yourself about but would never have been hard on a friend if they were experiencing it?

1. Job hunting.

2. Housekeeping

3. Maintaining my goals

4.  Going to work.

 What things have you been putting off doing because you didn’t have time?

I’m meant to hem some pants and I need to repair a cushion.

What are some things you’d like to focus and work on in the next year?

I want to focus on job hunting and saving money. I also want to be more positive, do more for charity and have ‘me’ days once a month.

What are the best parts of you that you feel really showed through this year?

My organizational skills really came in handy this year.

What are your biggest hopes for 2016?

I hope my family and I are happy and healthy.