All I have to say is: good riddance, February! Although short, February was filled with challenges, a little bit of sickness and a whole lot of sadness for my family, as we said goodbye to my grandmother. However, even though this month wasn’t my favorite, I’ve still found a few things to celebrate, and I look forward to making March the best month yet! Glass half full.
Each month, I share three things I accomplished in the previous month and preview three things I’m excited about or hoping to accomplish in the month ahead. It’s fun to look back and forward, and as an added bonus, these monthly check-ins keep me accountable to reach my goals.
I hope you’ll join in and share your three things in the comments section!
In February, I…
1. Planned and executed a major event for work. After months and months of planning, the event I’ve been focused on for the past six months at work finally took place on February 17. More details to come in a separate post about event planning, but the event was a Bridal Show with three dozen exhibitors and nearly 600 attendees. This was the first event I’ve been solely responsible for of this magnitude and it was an incredible (and sometimes stressful) learning experience. I have a serious level of respect for those who plan events for a living. It is NOT an easy task!
2. Ran a 5-mile race. For the second year in a row, I participated in the Frostbite 5-Miler. When I did this race last year, it was the first time I ever ran more than a 5K in a racing atmosphere, so this year, I was excited to try to beat my previous time. I beat my time by 6 seconds (those rolling hills get me every time!) and finished in 55:13. I can’t say enough good things about this race…it’s growing, but still remains local and has a home-y feel. Plus, after the race, they emailed all participants this cool video of your personal race finish. I’ve never experienced this with a race, and it was kind of fun to watch myself cross the finish line.
3. Had an inspirational lunch with other freelancers/entrepreneurs. After participating in one of Alexis Grant’s fabulous webinars, I joined a Facebook group she created called “Rockin’ the Side Gig.” I was excited to see many Philadelphia-area based folks chatting in the group and was even more thrilled when one of the participants started an email chain to host a get together for local freelancers. A few weeks ago, about six of us got together at Garces Trading Company (DELICIOUS) for brunch and discussion about freelancing, social media, writing and more. It was really fun to get together with a group of people who have similar interests and goals.
In March, I will…
1. Take a much-needed vacation to Punta Cana. I am SO excited about my birthday mother-daughter trip to Punta Cana. My mom and I began talking about taking a quick long weekend getaway somewhere warm a month or so ago, and I was thrilled when it all came together and we booked a trip to the Dominican Republic. I’ve never been before, and I’m looking forward to five days of pure relaxation, sun, sand and fruity drinks. Plus, what better way to celebrate my 25th birthday than on a tropical island?! I think that sets an amazing tone for the year ahead.
2. Turn 25! *Gulp* On March 11, I officially exit my “early twenties” and turn 25. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous about this milestone birthday, even though I know it doesn’t really mean anything. I keep joking that I’m ready for my quarter life crisis to begin (more on that later) but in all seriousness, it does feel a little weird to be turning 25. I’m not sure why this birthday is psyching me out so much, but I’m trying to embrace it and am looking forward to growing, learning and loving the coming year.
3. Speak at Temple University (two different times!). I’m always looking for more opportunities to hone my public speaking skills, so I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to speak at my alma mater, Temple University, this month. I’ll be speaking to two different classes: a social media innovation course and a media and society class. The first class is taught by an awesome professor, Steven L. Johnson, who I had my senior year of college. The second class is taught by Lynn Eckenrode, an advertising professional who I sat next to during my very first PR internship. I love how everything comes full circle; it’s awesome to be asked by two people I admire to speak to their classes.
What did you accomplish in February and what are you looking forward to accomplishing in March? Share your three things in the comments below!
