Wow…I can’t believe it’s almost a new year and a new DECADE! I can remember celebrating 2010 and entiring this decade we’re now leaving. It’s funny how that seems like so long ago but not at the same time. Looking back to who I was in 2010 and how much I’ve evolved over the last 10 years is pretty amazing. I went through my twenties, different relationships, divorce, living in different cities like Panama City, Boston, San Francisco, and LA, different careers and my dream job that I have now…and so much more. It was a fun, hard, exciting, evolving decade and I’ve learned SO much through it. To close out the decade, I thought it’d be cool to look back at the last one. I love making goals and all that for new years, but I think reflecting back at your improvements, mistakes, and lessons are even more important.
Here are some of my favorite moments from the last 10 years:
Gaining US citizenship
I moved to the US about 10 years ago. I’ve now been in LA for a couple of years and I can’t see myself wanting to leave any time soon. While I have TONS of love for Panama, I will always be The Girl From Panama, for now, the US feels like home. I’m proud and excited that I get to call it that officially.
Signing with my new agency
I’ve worked as a blogger for almost 6 years and it’s a career I’m very proud of. I love waking up and being able to share my life and passions with this community, and I’ve had incredible opportunities from it. While the trips and events and press have all been exciting, what I’m most proud of is signing with my current agency. Being represented was something I worked very hard for and it’s nice knowing that work has paid off. I hope to continue doing this for years to come.
Changing my name
I shared this post and went into a lot more detail in this video, but in 2019, I officially changed my name from Pam Hetlinger back to my maiden name, Pam Arias. I have been divorced for years now but had not got around to changing my name. After one of the most positive years of my life (2019), it felt like the right time to do it. I feel more like ME than ever before and I love having my name back :)
My nieces and nephew being born
I absolutely LOVE being an aunt! My sister, who I’m very very close to, has two kids that bring so much join into our family. Even though I don’t live in Panama and I can’t see them every day, they play a huge role in my life. I love them so much and I’m so excited to see them grow.
Finding my family of friends
When I first moved to LA, I was nervous about meeting “my people”. This town has a reputation for being fake, and while I have definitely witnessed that, I’ve found some of my most genuine friends here as well. They are my LA family and I’m so grateful for them.
My fitness journey
This was the year I decided to make huge changes to my health routine. I started to eat cleaner and healthier and also started working out religiously. Instead of seeing it as a chore, I see this now as a lifestyle. I love working out, I love taking care of my body and mind.
I’d love to hear…what are you proud of from the last decade?
