It is that time of the year again that we sit down and reconsider how we performed (or not 😊) in the past 2018. Verba volant, scripta manent. So again, I am more than tempted to put thoughts in writing on what went well, or failed miserably, last year: 

·       Consolidation: I believe I largely achieved this goal. I have not really started any new voluminous projects, I have not commenced challenges and ‘bites’ I cannot ‘chew’. I have plenty on my plate as it is, and I think I did right in focusing upon ongoing priorities, rather than ‘inventing’ new ones. 

·       Start the project “Elate si” (“come back home”). I had a little idea to start a website encouraging Bulgarians abroad to return home, hoping to create a better future for our land and people, each one of us with his own little, but crucial contribution. Well, I miserably failed – it never happened. It was simply too much. More importantly though, I have also started reconsidering my attitude towards the entire idea of “encouraging” someone who has clearly made a choice of life to change mind – is it my task to convince others? Such decisions come from within, not because someone from outside told you or pushed you to do so. All I can be is a living example. 

·       Sports: My elbow fracture from September 2017 is now all but fading away, thank God. I am back into volleyball quite actively, I cycled few thousands of km last year (including a week-long trip to so-called North Macedonia and Greece), I do regular table tennis, football, little exercises at home – I keep active and it is quite addictive.

·       Piano: In 2018, I wanted to learn three pieces. I learned 1.5, but one of them was particularly complicated and difficult to learn. I am happy though. In my busy life, I managed to squeeze some time to learn a beautiful art, regardless of the fact I theoretically “failed” on my goal.

·       Saving money: Really, I have a lot of work in this regard. I have had far too many ongoing expenses and costs that have kept me barely afloat. Significant failure with important lessons I learned.

·       Read: I failed to reach my own goal. Reading requires peace and silence, which are a particularly scarce commodity in my current lifestyle, sadly. 

·       Travel: I definitely travelled aplenty. Did visit most destinations I wanted, too.   

WRAP-UP

2018 was the year of consolidation. Of stabilisation – I felt the need to concentrate on the ongoing matters and not take on more new projects/learnings/endeavours. I had quite a success in that – most of my ongoing projects and items I am responsible for are going rather well, they are under control and are manageable. On the other side though, at times I feel I am on the verge of my capabilities. I leave the year with a focus on trying not to be always everywhere, and that letting go of certain items can be very relieving and liberating. Choosing well, optimising time and relaxation – crucial. I also feel I need more unplanned, un-organised and un-prepared-for time that I can do simple and non-planned relaxation, leaving space for more spontaneous actions and freedom. Let’s see what 2019 has in hand for me – I’m sure it’ll fly by and before I know, I will be writing my “2019 overview” 😊.