Reverb is a 31 day writing exercise where daily prompts allow people to reflect on closing the year and planning the one to come. 

[Place: What places anchored you this year? Or were you in search of new places and spaces to call your own and call home? Describe the place you love and why it means so much to you.]

A recent post from the3six5 summed up how I currently feel anchored. The author explained, “Whatever it is, the thought of being lost among the unfamiliar is the most comforting thing in life.” I read this post the day I returned to NYC after being home in Chicago for Thanksgiving. As my cab crossed the bridge into Manhattan and I looked at the skyline I couldn’t help but smile with excitement. Excitement over being back in this city where I still got lost, where I have only scraped the surface of and where adventures I can’t even imagine yet await me. 

I’m approaching one year in NYC and I don’t think I’ve hit the point where I call myself a New Yorker. People say something will happen and you’ll just know. I felt a shift in energy coming back and it wasn’t until I read this post that I fully understood where the feeling originated. The challenge and unknown of NYC keeps me anchored. 

[Intention: What were some of your mantras from 2012 and how did you come by them?]

Every day is a good day. 

I’m always asked how it is living in New York. In most cases I answer with, “Every day is a good day.” 

I love my job. I love my neighborhood and apartment. I love all the people I’m meeting. I feel so fortunate that I’ve had it pretty good up to this point. 

There have been some down points as well. But in the same week my wallet and phone were stolen I also high fived my company’s CEO. I realized how you handle bad situations is all in your perspective. The missing SuperPhone and wallet were a setback, but did teach me to be more aware of my belongings and my surroundings. 

The high five could not have been better timed. During my first month at my new job, I learned my new gig will be as great as I make it. I also realized that people will make time for you – all you have to do is ask (or go in for the high five).

Reverb is a 31 day writing exercise where daily prompts allow people to reflect on closing the year and planning the one to come. I participated in the project in 2010, looking forward to seeing it’s changed and how I’ve changed. Here goes. 

[Where it began: Review and reflect – how did 2012 begin for you? Tell us how the year kicked off; start your renewal by beginning again.]

2012 kicked off with a move across the country. I had never lived outside the state of Illinois and something inside me was ready to make a major move. I also left my first job for a new one in this new city of mine. 

The start of this year feels almost a lifetime away – I’ve moved to a new city, started a new job, made new friends and had completely new experiences in the process. And yet, I cannot believe how quickly 2013 snuck up on me. Amidst all the new I’ve tried to remain the same girl and I’m looking forward to reflecting throughout the month to come. 

How did 2012 start for you?

It was harder to keep up with the daily #reverb10 posts than I had thought and I fell behind. Participating in the project reminds me that I need to set aside time every day to write. If that means taking more than one day to draft a blog post, that’s fine. If this daily ritual includes writing emails to family or friends across the country that counts as well. Whatever the form of writing I want to challenge myself to remain active.

One of the prompts covered a topic I am consistently working to improve upon. It came from Jenny Blake and asks if you were to write a note to yourself 10 years ago, what would you tell your younger self? Well, here it is: a letter to my 14 year old self, just before entering high school.

Dear Stephanie,

I’m not going to sugar coat this. The next transition will not be an easy one. Because it will be different and because you’re not used to change. You’re leaving a small, close-knit environment for the exciting new arena of high school. After that you’ll be moving onto college and then into the real world, although that sounds like a lifetime away at this point. Good news though, you are going to adore everything coming up.  

Here’s your task: embrace the change. There will be countless changes in your life and the quicker you can transition the sooner you can truly enjoy all the experiences. Trust me, they will be great. And you’ll love all the new people you meet. The trouble you find yourself in (it’s inevitable, isn’t it?) will help you to grow. Learning how to adapt is all a part of the process… so do it quickly girlfriend! Let go of your reservations. Forget what others will think or what they are expecting of you. Face your challenges head on and reap all the benefits.

And most of all – enjoy the ride.

This year I learned that I can be a mentor. I’ve connected with students studying PR, considering PR or completely unsure. I’ve met individuals through my blogs, tweets and speaking engagements. In these discussions I always explain that I may only be a few steps ahead of them, but I’ve learned so much in that small amount of time and I would love to share my knowledge.

During a difficult day at work I received an email from our agency’s intern. In it she explained how she has looked up to me throughout her time at the agency and considered me a mentor. Reading this was more important than she’ll ever know. I try to make myself available to anyone looking for direction.

Moving forward I will continue to connect with up and come PR pros offering insight into getting ahead. But put simply, I will listen. I will listen to their concerns and their ideas. I will help to put them on the right track and most importantly, I’d like to keep in touch and remain a contact they can always look to throughout their career.

Appreciate: What’s the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it? (Author: Victoria Klein)

I so appreciate the reactions I’ve received to my blog posts. It’s difficult to put myself out there when discussing topics related to my family and work life, but the feedback I’ve received has been completely worth it. In addition to comments and tweets, I’ve seen this in the form of unexpected emails and messages. To know that people are connecting with my posts is very rewarding and gives me motivation to keep writing and reflecting. So, thanks to you : )

11 Things: What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life? (Author: Sam Davidson)

–       Swearing: It is simply unbecoming of a lady.

–       The constant plan: My sister always tries to pull me out of my strict plan for everything in life. When are leaving? Who are meeting? What time is this or that? I need structure in my life, not sure if there’s a way to get around that completely. However, in 2011, I’ll be maintaining a structure, but am open to spontaneity.

–       Lack of sleep: Working on my day-to-day to incorporate a little more each day.

–       Gossip: Nothing good can really come of it.

–       Excessive caffeine: I’m realistic in that I know I need some to get through the day, but I can definitely cut back.

–       Tears: I tend to let the stress pile up until breaking points. If I can address the situations on a regular basis there’s no reason for the mini meltdowns.

–       Excuses: I find excuses for why I couldn’t blog or make it to dance class/workout. Enough of the excuses, it’s just happening in 2011.

–       Migraines: I’ve had enough of these hell raisers. In 2011, I will make a conscious effort to watch what I eat and review my routine to see what are the triggers. I’ve got too much to do to let a migraine step in the way.

–       Poor financial planning: Now that I’m living on my own, I need to constantly address my financial situation and where my money is going.

–       Nervous habits: My nails have seen enough damage from the stressful days.

–       Just talking: I can spend months or even years talking about what I want. To see it actually happen, it’s time to start doing.

 At the top of my personal life to do list has been to improve my personal brand. Most specifically, I’d like to do this through my website. I’ve never been the savviest person online, but I’m no longer holding onto that excuse. Whether through discovering how to do it all online or by reaching out to someone in my network I will tackle this. As I continue to improve my site I would like to maintain a regular blog schedule. I love writing and have learned a great deal about myself and others through the posts. And I won’t just be trying this in 2011, I’ll be doing.

5 Minutes: Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010. (Author: Patti Digh)

2010 was a year of change for me.

I moved out of my parent’s house and into my first apartment following college. I bought my first (and new!) car.  I saved enough money to do all of this. I celebrated my first full year in the public relations industry. I learned I do not need to be in a relationship to define who I am. I am the one who makes that definition. I realized I miss my sister more than I have in the last few years that she’s lived in other states. I’ve always said I can’t wait for her to be back in Chicago, but I really mean it now more than ever. I experienced what it means to see your world unravel when I found out my dad had a stroke. On the most positive of sides, I see what it means to stand up to a challenge as my daddy continues his recovery. I understand at much deeper level what true love is. This I learned from my parents. Their relationship and their dedication to our family makes me appreciate all the times we spend together. My favorite realization is that I can take change and run with it rather than avoid it at all costs.

Friendship: How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst? (Author: Martha Mihalick)

I have one best friend in Cincinnati and another in Park City. What these friendships have taught me is that location has no effect on a friendship. Staying in touch via phone and email makes all the difference. I believe a true friend is one that you can pick up with, regardless of the time that has passed since your last meeting.

Beautifully Different: Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful. (Author: Karen Walrond)

I am an enthusiastic person.

I’m passionate about my industry and feel that I show that in my day-to-day. I’ve been told my enthusiasm is contagious. A stellar compliment. However, I’ve also been told that my enthusiasm shows my age, which I hadn’t realized can be considered a bad thing. I understand the need to be professional in a work setting, but if I can relate experiences to college or being new, what’s the harm? I guess this is my mindset as a young professional. I’m sure with more experience will come more understanding and growth. In this situation I feel different because I’m learning how to take the constructive criticism with the compliment.