31

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And just like that, a year ends.  Last year, I opened the door to age 31, filled with trepidation, excitement, and some fear.  Truth be told, in the months leading up to my 30th birthday, I was a bit melodramatic.  There was a lot of "this isn't what I thought life would look like" or "why did this happen to me?" type of thoughts.  Some were verbalized, some were buried deep under my resolve to enter confidently into my 30s.

It turns out turning 30 wasn't scary at all - it was actually quite fabulous!  The past year will go down as one of the best years of my life.  The fact that I can say that is not on account of chance or luck.  I made this past year the best year of my life. The year included many great things, such as a trip to Paris, moving into a downtown condo I love, hosting friends/family in my condo, passing the CFA, PR'ing at the Victoria half marathon, and lots of trips with/to visit other bloggers! 

I learned a lot of things over the course of the past year, but the biggest lesson that stands out in my mind is that happiness is a choice.  I spent much of my 20s almost feeling like I was a victim of my circumstances.  But this past year, I realized that if I didn't like my circumstances, I either need to do something about it, change my perspective, or focus on the other wonderful things in my life.

I'll close with the chorus from "Do It Now," a song on Ingrid Michaelson's new album.  It really sums up how I approached my 31st year.

so do it now
do it right now
don't waste a minute on the darkness and the pity sitting in your mind and
do it right now
do it right now

31 held so many wonderful things; I can't wait to see what 32 will bring!!