Quarter Century Reflection

Today marks my last day of being 25 and I am glad to bring this year to a close.

I am having trouble using my brain today. Writing normally comes naturally, but for some reason, today, my brain is on vacation.

Over the weekend, I became a Reiki Master.

I am at the most powerful level, the final level is when you have practiced with clients and sit down with your teachers and understand why and how to become a healing teacher.

I am not there yet.

I am still healing.

I have lived for a full twenty-five years and I am wrapping up the final day of being 25.

It has been an interesting year, to say the least.

In September

I started a new job.

At a learning centre.

I was working almost everyday and immersed in the idea that working everyday and being busy are the necessities of life.

In October

I signed up to be a mentor with my Grad school. Attending this event changed my life.

I was insecure about becoming a mentor, because I was 25, working part time, coming with little experience, and suffering from raging anxiety.

At this event, I met a seasoned mentor, and I spoke with her about my worries. She assured me that there is a place for me and my experience within the mentorship program, and within the alumni association.

She took the time to work with me, become a friend, and mentor me at the same time.

This changed my life. Someone believed in me!

Something started to light within me…

In November

I started to find my groove.

I like my job, I like my friends.

My dog and I got to be in a short film.

I prepared a speech to argue for a position on my alumni board.

While attending networking meetings, I felt on top of the world.

In December

I had one of the best Christmas’s that I’ve had in years.

Feeling happy and energized, I went full force into the new year.

For Christmas, my brother bought me a FitBit, which tracks your steps, heart rate and fitness levels.

Finally went to the Toronto Christmas Market with some friends.

Volunteered at an event for skating that won an award in the alumni community! Huge accomplishment!

Started running again, and thanks to the Fitbit, it was easier to want to run.

In January

Rock & Roll Ralph made a debut at Einsteins! My dad played guitar on a stage, and not just in the basement!

Started to get more into astrology, spirituality, and astronomy. Saw a full moon, and felt the alignment beginning.

I found a volunteer position that fits with my interest in Social Justice and distributive justice.

I applied for the position of volunteer blogger, without knowing what to expect, and I am beyond grateful to myself for taking that leap.

The Really Really Free Market is a free-cycling exchange market. People bring donations, and those donations are sorted and put out in a market setting.

In February

As a graduate of the Masters in Education program, I participated in the open house for students who are considering the program.

The feeling of helping others determine where they should study is invaluable.

It helped me see that my experience at this school is meant for more than just education.

There was an event for mentors at the TD tower in downtown Toronto.

This day was a struggle to get myself out of the house, but I learned so much from my anxiety that day.

I learned to face it with fierceness. I learned to push through, rather than shrink in fear.

In March

My friend from Grad school and I went to see a ballet!

Alice in Wonderland is absolutely beautiful in ballet.

On St. Patrick’s day, I joined two friends for brunch, and then wandered the ROM with them.

There was an instance between brunch and the ROM that led to an epiphany.

No one can tell my experience of a situation. No one can assume that the most important experience of mine was a certain one. They didn’t experience it.

This led to the parting of ways.

In April

I volunteered at the Free Market for the third time. I somehow missed the other months markets.

Working toward increasing my running, in preparation for the upcoming races, I practiced daily by walking my dogs.

My mom, sister, and I went shopping.

I became a reiki healer

I tried on some dresses and felt wonderful in embracing my inner model.

After some time, I finally saw one of my truest friends from high school.

In May

I spent a lot of time volunteering this month.

I participated in the Graduate Student Research Conference as a volunteer.

I went to Montreal, explored the city and experienced the culture of Quebec.

I met my third cousin, who is now married. I met her by attending her bridal shower.

We are a year apart, both born in September.

It is really heart warming to know that my family extends so far with nothing but love and warmth.

I ran my FOURTH 10 K race.

In June

I ran my FIFTH 10 K race.

I participated in convocation as an alumni representative and welcomed new graduates.

My colleagues and I set up a gratitude table where new grads can write thank you letter to donors and send messages about their experiences at our school.

I levelled up my reiki healing ability

The Lion King Musical at Mirvish was playing, so my family and I attended.

In July

I joined a soccer team!

My teammates are the best people I could have ever asked for.

I love every one of them.

The things I have learned by being on a co-ed soccer team are invaluable.

2018 Kristina would not have joined this team.

I am grateful to my friend who invited me to join the team as a sub for the acknowledgement.

I started working with a friend on my blog.

It became easier to understand what my purpose with my blog is and why it should be important to me.

Everything started to align more clearly.

In August

Last month, I posted on my blog.

I struggled with writer’s block.

I struggled with topics.

I succeeded at goal setting and planning.

My friend introduced me to Arbonne and the world of network marketing.

I started my Arbonne Business. I took the plunge.

Looking forward…

I made a 5 year plan, and within it are some goals I wanted to accomplish within the next 5 years.

I wrote it thinking someone would be able to help me figure out how to put these goals into action.

The reality is, after I wrote it, I understood how to put those goals into action by having the goals in front of me.

I want to get better at running.

Continuing to play soccer, and practice my runs throughout the week is contributing to this.

A new year is coming to a close.

On Saturday I became a Reiki Master.

I feel like the chapter of 2018-2019 and of the age of 25 is coming to a gentle close, and the opening of a brand new chapter is unfolding clearly, lightly and with joy.

I am grateful to everyone I mentioned in this post who have encouraged me to become my true self.

I am especially grateful to my mentors and the alumni association for my graduate school for offering kindness, community, and learning opportunities to me.

The amount of lessons that have come with this year are tremendous. But the amount of blessings that have come as well, are tenfold.

I wish everyone who reads this joy and love in their life.

I wish to those who don’t know me anymore, nothing but love in their life.

Thank you Universe for guiding me through this year of 25. I am looking forward to this coming year of 26 and the next quarter century.

With love and light,

Blessings,

Stay true stay weird.

~~ Kristina