How to Remember a Decade? 5 Step Exercise

Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash

Step 1: Be aware this year brings us into a new decade. I didn’t realize this until Spotify shared my past decade’s most played songs. Thank you, Bots!

Step 2: Don’t rush into reflecting on your past decade because 10 years is a lot to digest. Hence, my post at the end of February. 

Step 3: Honor your past self and how she got you to where you are today. Since I spent most of the last decade blogging, a blog post recap feels perfect. Here’s the yearly recap:

2010: Still reeling from a gut-punching break up, I felt lost and confused. Decided to follow my fears and try new things that scared me like snowboarding, which brought me bruises and joy.

2011: Being funny in front of people scared me so I stumbled into an improv comedy class, fell in love, and haven’t stopped performing. I also stumbled in and out of many awkward and beautiful dates, which are documented on my blog 100 First Dates. 

2012: More dates, more writing, and somehow people I didn’t know began reading my stories. I felt lost at my job and with the help of a career coach, I pivoted from non-profit fundraising work to pursue more creative work within learning and development consulting.

2013: Finally feeling energized by work my new mission came to light: to equip people with creative leadership skills to thrive at work and life.  

2014: I performed in so many improv and storytelling shows I lost count. My 100 First Dates project came to an end, and I got to write about my experiences for publications like Glamour and Women’s Health.

2015: More improv shows. Met my partner who got to witness many of my shows (for better or for worse).

2016: Took my next big career leap and devoted myself full-time to my company, Follow the Fear.

2017: Got hitched. Grew the business. 

2018: Had a baby. Put the business on hold. 

2019: Experimented with how to run a business and be a parent…an ongoing adventure.

Step 4: What themes are showing up from your reflections? I notice being scared of change, then going with the flow, staying true to myself, staying curious, embracing laughter and play, to learn to ask for support. (Also, I’ve lived in the same NYC apartment for a decade, wow.)

Step 5: Congratulate your past and future self! You’ve made it this far. Ride these themes into this decade because they are your greatest strengths.