Atlanta-versary

Last Sunday marked my one year anniversary of moving to Atlanta. I celebrated by having the same dinner that I had on my first night in the city: a salad from the Whole Foods salad bar.

A lot has happened over the past 12 months. I've taken 18 flights, lived in 3 different apartments, and spent time in 13 different states.

I've had 3 different managers, paid off 1 more student loan, and have had my credit checked over 5 times.

I've been in 2 different weddings, celebrated my grandmother's 90th birthday as well as my parents 30th wedding anniversary. I've gone on 10 first dates, 5 second dates, and, well, the numbers get increasingly unimpressive so I'll stop there.

There are some things I'm especially proud of. I stood up a cross-functional culture team at my company, drove through the state of Utah by myself, and had some difficult conversations (both with others and myself) that I would have previously shy-ed away from. 

I've done some dumb things too. Some really, really dumb things. I've done some pretty annoying things also. Like when I had to sleep in an airport overnight (read that tale here), scratched my car door in my own parking garage, and bought a concert ticket for the wrong day.

I've put my foot in my mouth a lot more than I would have liked but rather than obsess over each time I've thought through the experience, processed it, accepted it, and moved on.

Progress.

The whole year has been progress and isn't that what growth and learning is all about? This past year I've learned so much. I've learned that it's okay to put my foot in my mouth (sometimes) and that it's important to not beat myself up over it.

I've learned that paying for a gym membership or classes that really push you are worth it; at least as you get older and live in a not-so-walkable city.

I've learned that sometimes it's better to just keep your mouth shut. When you can you should help others. And while sometimes helping others might be a big task or ask sometimes it can be as simple as just listening to someone or returning a text message. Don't discount how important your time, perspective, or just a listening ear can be to someone else. 

I've learned that there are so few instances in life when you should really be upset or angry and that facing things with calmness and a clear head is the best way to approach anything.

It's been a wonderful 12 months to say the least, and I have high hopes for my second year in Atlanta. Stay tuned for updates on life in the south, travel plans for the rest of the month, others musings as I grow and evolve-- and unavoidably put my foot (or feet) in my mouth time and time (and time) again.