My 2015 Review

Today is the last day of 2015 and, as every year, I love doing a simple but powerful exercise.

I sit down, away from distractions, and I focus on what happened that year.
I try to remember where I was or what I did from January to December.
I use my calendar to help me going through the year, and I also check my project folders, tracking spreadsheets and emails.
I write down a list of the highlights, and it ends up being kind of a story of my year, where I get surprised about how many amazing things have happened.

Reviewing the year is one of the most pleasant things of the year.
I realize how many things happen in 365 days and how I evolve.
It also empowers me to start the new year with all my strength.

It’s the first time I make my list public.
I’m publishing it to encourage others to do the same exercise.
You won’t regret!

2015

• I traveled a lot
  More than ever. I started the year in Malaysia, and I traveled non-stop across Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Philippines and Indonesia until June.
  After that, I returned to Europe and after the Summer, I rented a flat in Madrid, where I’m living now.
  I’ve also traveled a lot around Spain since then, mainly for giving talks.
• I gave six talks and one workshop
  I’ve always been terrified of the idea of public speaking. But this year I changed it.
  I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and faced those fears.
  I don’t consider myself a brilliant speaker, but now I feel capable of doing it.
• I’ve produced a lot of illustrations
  I’m not proud of all of the images I’ve made, but I’m very pleased with a few of them. That gives meaning to all the effort and hours invested.
• I started to produce animations
  Since I met Jose working for the cover for Muster, we have worked together a lot. We’ve already created seven animations, and we have big plans for the next year. I’m extremely excited about it.
• I got a lot of recognition
  I received several awards, and I’m immensely grateful for it. Two of them make me feel especially thrilled and honored.
  The Society of Illustrators awarded me with a Silver Medal for the animated cover I created with Jose. I’m going to New York in February for the Opening.
  Gràffica, the most important design and creativity media in Spanish, awarded me with a Gràffica award. It’s an award you can’t apply to. The Gràffica Awards jury is made up of people I truly admire. It was a big honor.
• I saved some money
  I worked a lot, and I live a frugal life. It also helped that I’ve spent seven months in South East Asia where the living costs are very cheap.
  The savings allow me to focus on the important things without being worried.
  It will allow me to work full time on a big personal project next year I’ve already started.
• I started the Blog
  Even I haven’t had enough time to write as much as I wanted because a big assignment I got at the end of the year, I’m very proud having started the Blog. Not only because I love writing on it, but because you guys have sent me amazing feedback. I’m touched and grateful for every single comment, message or email I receive.
• My English level improved
  My level is not improving as fast as it did when I was living in Bristol, but I’m still working on it. I’m using English as my main language in my day-to-day life, writing, reading, and I also speak it daily with Elina. My reading, writing, and listening have improved remarkably.
  Next year I will focus more on the speaking and pronunciation.
• I met incredible people
  One of the best things about being a nomadic person is that you meet a lot of inspiring and great people. I’ve met more people and made more new friends than ever. One of the best things of the year.
• I read a lot of books
  Since I got my Kindle a few years ago, I re-discovered my passion for books.
  This year I’ve enjoyed reading novels, essays, and biographies almost every day.
• I’m healthy
  I don’t remember the last time I’ve been in a hospital.
  I didn’t have any illness, even though my 7-month traveling adventure in SE Asia.
  I’m very grateful for it.
• I’m happy
  The most important one. Even I had some stressing weeks at the end of the year, 2015 has been my happiest year ever. A lot of marvelous things happened that I couldn’t dream about a year before.

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When I look at this list, I can’t feel happier.
2015 has been the best year ever, and I’ll do my best to make 2016 even better!

For 2016 I want to focus on personal projects, start traveling non-stop again and enjoy every single moment without feeling stressed by any assignment or project. That’s my commitment.

Hope that exercise encourages you to write down your own list. I’m sure you will feel grateful, surprised and motivated to start a new year.