7. Control what (you think) you can
I’ve been told countless times that there is no analytic formula to finding love. I could go on 100 dates and there are no guarantees that any single one of those could lead to anywhere. As a matter of fact that actually sounds exhausting as fuck, I won’t even try. So I get it, I can’t control who I love and when it happens. The numbers games and the dating apps don’t seem to work for me. We’re already familiar with my take on fate, timing and modern romance.
I have no control. Ok. I accept that.
In 2017 I’ve decided to focus on 3 parts of my life of which I feel I have authority over.
1. My career
I set up a casual meeting with my boss for the first day we return to work in 2017. My calendar invite preface was simple: I want a promotion within the next year. I would like to know what I have to do to ensure that happens. After receiving the invite my boss walked over to my desk and quickly gave me the low down of how the process works within the company. It takes 18 months of employment to be evaluated from one title to the next. He also told me he thinks I’m underpaid, but we’ll talk about that in January.
UNDERPAID? Seriously? Clearly I don’t think so… I mainly want the Sr. title, the pay bump was not a priority… But hey, if you say so—sure.
2. Dog ownership
I’ve never had a pet. I’ve never had to be responsible for anything alive except for myself and Ex-Mr. I’ve been mentally preparing myself for the idea of a dog all year. It’s not that I’m worried about the responsibility involved, it’s just obvious its going to change my lifestyle. I currently do whatever I want, whenever I want. However I’ve slowed my pace down significantly in the second half of 2016. The dog is a solution to company and love I am lacking, I’m expecting the trade-off to have amazing results. I might not be able to spend a lazy sunday with a man in bed with me all day, but something else will.
3. Travel
I’ve drunkenly agreed to 3 international trips in 2017, 2 of which I have zero intentions of following through with. See this is where I play the numbers game, also the highest bidder gets my travel companionship, meaning the group who has the best probability of execution. When it comes to traveling you don’t talk about it—you be about it. Until some of my friends stop using their PTO and paychecks for music festivals we’re not going to be getting stamps on our passports together. I’m just saying, guys.
I’m also hoping I can finesse a trip to Australia out of my company. Those are some high hopes, but I'm going to continue planting seeds.
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Jesus take the wheel. I’ll steer what I can.