Today begins a new career chapter and just recently I realized how full of a year it has been:
My divorce was finalized (and I got a tattoo the same day to remember what I learned in the process).
Established a new home and tried to regain a sense of normalcy.
My grandmother passed away.
Oscar, my son, turned 6 years old.
Photographed Night Beds during a studio visit.
Took a weekend adventure to see my friend Liz in Atlanta.
Saw WELD open and Nashville’s strong community continue to grow.
Started navigating the dating world.
Attended so many Nashville Sounds baseball games with Oscar.
Witnessed two friends successfully adopt their first child.
Drank Soylent for 3 months.
Vacationed with family in Michigan and Iowa.
Gave up navigating the dating world.
Heavily played Tame Impala’s album ‘Currents.’
Oscar started 1st grade.
Read a great interview with Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat/Fugazi/Dischord Records.
Attended my first Plywood Presents conference in Atlanta.
Intentionally began taking more risks, being vulnerable and generous, and staying true to myself.
Started writing.
Adopted an awesome puppy.
Attended a great Men’s Retreat with my church.
Applied to the altMBA program.
Unexpectedly met an amazing woman.
Saw C H R I S O L U X speak at Nashville Creative Mornings.
Was accepted into the altMBA program, January 2016 session.
Saw Sufjan Stevens live in concert for the first time.
Fell in love.
Had a weekend adventure to Atlanta with my love and her kids.
Was laid off from my job of 8 years.
Interviewed for a new job.
Decompressed with family over the holidays.
Introduced Oscar to Star Wars IV, V, and VI.
Started a Moment Calendar, chronicling at least one memory from each day.
Picked up my camera again.
Started altMBA.
Was offered — and accepted — a new job.
And yesterday, January 20, 2016, was my last day at my former employer.
I have been so blessed by the people of Nashville. This city has truly become my home.
To the friends, family, coworkers, acquaintances and strangers who have come alongside me during such a wild and wonderful year — thank you. You have truly given me an endless supply of hope, encouragement and support to see the beauty in each day.
In 2016 I will be stretched and challenged like never before — yet also more intentional, purposeful and fulfilled.
I am both excited and scared, which is giving me an undeniable energy to dance with my fear and tackle the challenges I want to face.
“I have been bent and broken, but — I hope — into a better shape.” ― Charles Dickens, Great Expectations