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| SF MoMA |
In a lot of ways 2016 was personally great (loved ones got
married, engaged and brought babies into this world; my husband and I both
transitioned to new aspects of our jobs; I got involved with a wonderful
organization, and I generally got to enjoy another year of good health and fun
adventures in California) but I was still happy to see it go. My friend had the
brilliant idea of going out with a bang, in the form of a wonderful feast with
friends. So on NYE we had a private dining room at a San Francisco restaurant,
filled with 9 fantastic people, amazing food and delicious wine. I will always
remember that meal and am grateful my friend thought of putting it together.
And now, we're fully in 2017, not just feet wet but hair dunked, body temperature acclimated. There aren't any totally new habits I want to do this year that I didn't start on already- eating healthy, exercising more. All the usual self-care, wellness and fitness habits I know to do but need to actually do. The hosts and guest on my favorite podcast Another Round were discussing the difference between telling people you'll do something (like going to the gym) and actually doing it. Anyway, as I get older, self-care moves to front of mind so that I can be in good shape to take care of other things.
And those other things? Well the 2016 election taught me I can't take democracy for granted. So in 2017 I have to keep learning what's going on, finding ways to make my voice heard and find a way to make an impact where I am. Last summer thanks to a friend's suggestion, I started working with a children's organization in San Francisco; this was meant to help underprivileged kids right in my city, but it has already impacted me immensely.
I also want to remember to speak up more, in different channels. For a long time I did not put political views on social media; in fact I have had a tenuous relationship with social media and like to think I should just be living IRL. But I'd like to learn how to use tech to advance democracy. This is one article in WSJ that I found suggesting some nonpartisan tools to track government. I also downloaded Countable, an app for tracking government, and am finding it easy to use. I joined the Women's March in San Francisco this weekend - again, thanks to brilliant friends - and resolve to keep the inspiration and energy from the event in my heart going forward, and to continue to turn it into action.
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| photo from Buzzfeed |
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And finally on the fun side, I want to do more West Coast
exploring this year and am starting to make those plans. I also have loved ones
getting married this year so I'll be traveling to celebrate with them (I've got
one bridesmaid dress ready and am about to order another one). So among other
things, there will be a lot of fun in 2017.
