Today I turn 51. The last year has pretty much been a blur for the most part. With COVID lingering and so much happening in the world, I have been distracted a lot. But having a job I love and enjoy has helped to keep my anxiety levels from going to crazy.

Here are some highlights from this past year for me:

• I was promoted to Assistant Director right around my birthday last year, so spent this year learning the ropes and getting to know my team.
• I grew my team and the increased the number of individuals we serve, promoting 3 of my front-line staff into leadership roles.
• I became certified to teach our most intensive training curriculum that requires month’s of training and board certification.
• I won our highest honor and our annual awards luncheon
• I traveled around Oregon (mostly for work), and got to see areas I’d never seen before, or revisit favorite locations.
• I started painting again… I’m not very good, but I enjoy it
• I released a lot of expectations I had for myself and decided to just be me.
• I came out to everyone I work with (my family still doesn’t know)
• I continued to blog, even though I took several long breaks
• I read books that I really enjoyed at my own pace and didn’t pressure myself to reach a specific reading goal
• I tried new things
• I spoiled myself with new clothes, books, and assorted frippery, just because I could

All in all 50 was good, and I am happy with where I am and who I am right now. My life is moving in a really great direction and I see good things for 51 and beyond.