I honestly can’t believe there’s only 10 more days left to 2012.  A lot has changed since the beginning of this year and I can honestly say I would’ve never predicted I would be where I am today 12 months ago; freelancing, taking on web design gigs, creating new relationships and meeting new people, opening and selling stuff in my Etsy store, and being anxious, scared, but excited for each day.  I read this article with Tina Roth Eisenberg (aka Swissmiss) and it really hit the nail on the head of the latter half of my year:

“But sometimes when we make our goals, we make them for the person we are at that moment, not for the person we’re going to be when we get there.”
— Tina Roth Eisenberg

My goals and outlook on my life now has changed since 6 months ago and I can feel it changing day to day as I learn more and more.  I honestly believe ‘everything happens for a reason’, as cliche as that sounds, and through all the ups and downs I can say I’m happy, challenged, inspired, and grateful for everything and all the new opportunities that opened up this year.

“Success is a staircase not a doorway.”
— Dottie Walters

I think a lot of people lose sight and give up too soon before even starting.  It’s still something that I’m learning and trying to figure out myself, but I think it’s a good reminder that whatever your definition of succes is that it’s a journey, not something you figure out overnight. And even if it’s a small success you should still reward yourself.  I think sometimes people don’t give themselves enough credit.

Instagram has been my best friend this year (I’m sure for lots of people too), so here’s a collage of some photos from this year.

From left to right, top to bottom: 1. 2 dozen cupcakes for my 23rd birthday from Teaspoon Bakery / 2. Ippudo after work / 3. flowers at Sage / 4. brunch at Press / 5. Kung Fu Tea / 6. packaged orders from Etsy / 7. at Graphic Design – Now in Production / 8. new workspace / 9. at Le Fooding at the Brooklyn Flea / 10. “Expect less from people but more from yourself” pasted on my notebook cover / 11. at Traif / 12. on vacation in Mexico / 13. view from my work desk / 14. street view in Queens, NY / 15. at a Yankee game.