Monday 29 December 2008

Year 2008

I have been contemplating what to say in my final post this year for a very long time. In every sense 2008 has been an extraordinary year, extremely rich in thought provoking experiences (the good, the bad and ugly) as well as in many fantastic people that I had a pleasure to meet on my way. Bringing it all to a close seemed like a gargantuan challenge, and I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it right. But in the end, following the words of Winston Churchill: “perfectionism spells paralysis”, I gave it a shot anyway.


The Good

2008 got a kick-start in Lycoming College (Williamsport, PA), where I had a great pleasure to study and work alongside American students. In the midst of the US Presidential Campaign, former President Bill Clinton as well as the then presidential candidate, now, President Elect Barack Obama came to the college and I had the privilege to personally greet both of them. It was absolutely brilliant! Around the same time I also won a business plan contest held in town, something that I regard as one of the most important personal achievements to date. Overall, these, and many other events opened my eyes of sorts and life after America will never be the same again. To put it into perspective, without this experience, I have serious doubts whether I would have anything to write on this blog at all.

Shaking hands with Obama

Back in London, I got possibly the best part time job on the planet – Specialist at Apple Regent Store. At the store I met some of the most talented people ever, and they all continue to have a tremendous impact on my personality. Through working there I became more open, more compassionate and eager to do something for and with others. I hope I became easier to get along with as well.

The Bad

I will always remember this year for the troubles in the relationship with my girlfriend. After almost two years we broke up in October and as much as I am still confused, I am ashamed to admit that I am responsible for what we have been through.

But as with all things in life, there was a good side to this – at last I realised how little I knew about partnership and life in general, and how immature and selfish I was compared to what my initial thoughts were. Without this insight I don’t know how long more it would have taken me to finally understand what I did wrong and begin my quest for self-improvement.

The Ugly

2008 also marks one of the most unlucky incidents I have had in my life. It all started when I missed my connecting flight from London to Amsterdam, subsequently missing the flight to America. The story is full of unlucky coincidences and I will not go in more detail but let’s just say, flying is not my cup of tea;)

Another ugly memory of the year was me getting sick all the time. In total, I caught a cold 7 times and as of writing this post I am still recovering from flu! Because this year I have been following a very well balanced diet, I would say that it was the continuing stress that took my body defences down, something to be seriously taken care of in future.

2009, here I come!

Looking back, 2008 has been an amazing year and I could hardly ask for more. I finally begun to understand myself and became happy about the man I am. Likewise, I started to realise what life is all about and begun to see how to properly function as a member of the society. I developed a genuine interest in other people, and feel great whenever I can meet someone new. I finally feel that I am headed in the right direction. I feel that I have the majority, if not all of the pieces of the puzzle called life and finally can start putting them together. It might be hard, and there is going to be a lot of challenges ahead, but you know what? I love it all! 2009, here I come!!!