This post is part of Think Kit, a community blogging project. Today's prompt: Your 2015, Reviewed. Give us the 30,000 foot view. Or, hone in on a few highlights. Let's bring last year to life before moving on to what's ahead. I decided to look at 2015 through the lens of an Instagram filter.
This past year was so jam packed full of experiences, I had no idea how to even start this blog. Then, while getting distracted and scrolling through Instagram (a common 2015 activity), I realized that the answer was right in front of me. Most of the major events for me in 2015 are showcased on social media. I quickly decided that a yearly review through the lens of my Instagram account is the most appropriate reflection on 2015. Check out 7 snapshots of my past year with some pretty hip filters:
1. STARTING THE YEAR OFF RIGHT
There is no better way to start your day (or year) than some Cafe Patachou and a good book. 2015 and breakfast restaurants go together like bald eagles and America. I have a strong feeling that 2016 will see the steady increase of good books and even better breakfast food.
2. A CRAFT BEER LOVE AFFAIR
2015 will forever be known as the Year of the Craft Beer. Between three beer festivals, a grand opening in Cincinnati, and numerous special release events, it's safe to say that my craft beer love affair isn't breaking up anytime soon. This specific picture was taken at Founders Brewing Company's Firkin Fest in Grand Rapids, MI. If you haven't had a chance to make the trip north, I highly recommend it.
3. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
In 2015 I celebrated by first complete year of full-time employment! Of all the accomplishments and goals met throughout the year, this is by far my proudest achievement. Post-college life can be daunting, but I have found my career development refreshing. I do meaningful work with bright people (shout out to Performance Services), which is more than I could have dreamed when joining the work force full time.
4. MOVING OUT AND OTHER ADULT THINGS
In June of 2015 I moved out of my parent's house, and into an apartment in downtown Indianapolis. This is a HUGE milestone in my life, and one that I will not soon forget. This is a picture of the canal behind my apartment! Keeping with the theme of being an adult, 2016 may be the year that I finally master the art of doing my laundry.
5. DEVELOPING MY SKILLS
An important personal goal for myself last year was the development of my marketing skills. One area I was determined to hone was my creative portfolio. Through Performance Services and personal design projects like this website, I have become close friends with Adobe Creative Suites. The design above is my buffer photo for Saturday Night Live! Now all I need is improv skills and years of comedic experience...
6. THE BIG EVENTS
I would be remiss to go through my 2015 Instagram feed without mentioning some the people closest to me. This specific picture was from one my best friend's wedding. We are all so close that he couldn't just pick a few of us as groomsmen - we were ALL included, and he even chose two best men! This is one of my favorite pictures the ten of us have ever taken together.
7. MORE BEER & LOOKING FORWARD
For one of my final Instagram posts of 2015, I posted a picture of two of my favorite things - Indianapolis and a delicious, up and coming brewery, Braxton Brewing Company. Did I mention I enjoy good craft beer? I will be one lucky guy if I get to see more of these two in the new year.
2016 is shaping up to be a big year as I have sunny vacations planned, more beer festivals to attend, and a new blog to grow! Thanks for taking a trip through my year, and here's to 2016!