I can’t believe it’s already the end of 2023! As I reflect back, I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved and the friendships I’ve built this year. I intentionally spent a lot of time alone, worked a lot (and learned a ton), and picked up a new hobby. 2023 has definitely become one of my most memorable year!

Reflecting Back to 2023

Enjoying Alone Time

I’ve always been someone active in the dating scene, going on dates frequently, but this year was different. I went on just four dates with three different guys. Dating wasn’t a top priority. I found a surprising amount of comfort in my own company.

Sometimes I’ll joke about being single, but the idea of finding a boyfriend feels like a chore right now. I’ve settled into my own routine so comfortably that the thought of changing it seems like a big ask… But that is a problem for future Demi! Not a concern for me right now.

I’ve also recently found comfort in going to dive bars alone. There’s this bar that I’d frequently go to for lunch and dinner, and eventually, I became acquainted with the regulars, bartenders, and servers! Whenever I had free time and was in the mood for food, I would always swing by.

Balancing 2, 3, and Sometimes 4 Jobs

Other than finding comfort in being alone, work has been great. Having a weekend job along with my corporate job gives me somewhat of a reset – like a different perspective! When friends ask me how I’m able to manage two or three jobs, it honestly feels like I’m just taking a break from one job by working at another job. Personally, I think this is a great way to avoid burnout, discover new hobbies, and get paid for it.

Throughout the year, I held two jobs consistently, occasionally a few other shifts here and there from my third job. Earlier this year, I worked as a barista at a coffee shop during the weekends and then decided to work at a nail salon instead. At one point, I had four jobs – my corporate job, barista at a coffee shop, sales associate at a Pilates studio, and front desk receptionist at a spin studio.

Being able to work multiple jobs, I’m able to learn more on how each industry works, meet new people, and most importantly, learn a new skillset or two!

Climbing up the Corporate Ladder

Working at my corporate role has been so fulfilling, and I’ve been learning so much. Like any job, there are ups and downs, but overall, there’s been so much up with the past year. At work, I got to travel quite a bit going to California and extending my stay to visit family, and several trips down to Tucson to visit clients.

We also took on this huge commercial production, which has been so amazing to see how it’s executed. From the initial brainstorming session with the client to sourcing for talent and background extras, to the day of filming the commercial, and seeing how post-production happens for a commercial to come to life!

I can’t wait to see how much more I’ll learn in the next year, and I hope for so many more exciting projects and campaigns.

My Pilates Journey: Teacher Training Program

Outside of work, I’ve been spending a lot of time practicing Pilates. It all started when my director at work got into Pilates, so naturally, I did too! I started noticing that my posture has improved significantly since practicing Pilates, and I don’t experience as much neck, shoulder, or back pain as I did before.

I wanted to learn more about the foundation and fundamentals of Pilates, so I decided to go through a Pilates Teacher Training program! Initially, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like teaching, but so far, I’ve been loving it. It makes me so excited to see my clients getting stronger over time throughout our private sessions.

Currently, I don’t see myself teaching Pilates full-time; I see it more as a part-time hobby since I love my corporate job too much. It’s been so interesting learning about the anatomy and how Pilates plays a role in prevention and rehabilitation.

Stepping into 2024

As I reflect on the year before stepping into the new one, I wanted to acknowledge the incredible support from adidas. Whether it’s supporting my golf game, my pilates journey, or lounging around at home, adidas has been there every step of the way. With the weather so cold recently, I’ve been lounging around in my cozy adidas matching set. My favorite is this  fleece crewneck and joggers – their fleece is so soft and warm to wear around the house.

Going into this new year, I really don’t have many expectations. If you told me a year ago that I was going to be working at the nail salon on the weekends or doing a Pilates teacher training program, I wouldn’t believe it! So many things can happen in one year that I’m literally going to play it by ear. I don’t have concrete goals for myself because if there’s something that I want to do, I typically do it right then and there.

Every day I try to strive to be a better version of myself, even if it’s just a tiny improvement.

How was your 2023?