How I've Changed (and What I've Learned) in 2014

This year has gone by so fast, but looking back I am amazed by how much I have changed. This year alone, my life has included:

• Learning how to cook and eat a more balanced and healthy diet

• Taking care of my mental health as well as my physical health (i.e. relaxation, exercise, etc.)

• Adopting better cleaning habits and learning how to take care of my Japanese apartment (aka tatami and gas stovetops)

• Adopting a skincare routine

• Learning new makeup and fashion styles that make me feel confident

• Becoming a graduate student and maintaining a 4.0

• Communicating more effectively by first understanding my own feelings

• Incorporating reading and writing more often and making them daily habits

• Entering a relationship with someone who is older than me, doesn't share my mother tongue, grew up in a different country, and who lives far away (while learning how to better communicate and support each other)

• Studying Korean (after a four year hiatus) and using it daily

• Taking up Kyudo (traditional Japanese archery) and going to competitions and testing for a new rank

• Embracing my adventurous side by doing things that scare me, such as going scuba diving

• Finding a reliable dentist, chiropractor, doctor, and bike repairman

• Gaining confidence as a teacher and learning something new everyday with my students

• Trying for gratitude and positivity every day

And so many other things, but I thought it would be nice to write all these things down to look back on later in life. I also want to start a jar of good things or major events that happen in 2015. You may have seen the idea floating around the internet lately. I am excited for Christmas break so I can finally relax, but next year is going to be another exciting one for sure.What are you grateful for and how has your life changed this year?