A Look Back at Twenty Seventeen

Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe that another year has come and gone, and that we are starting fresh in a twenty eighteen. I love New Years, that it represents the culmination of a year well lived, experiences gained, opportunities explored, and all the highs and lows of life. I also love how it gives you an opportunity to look back and reflect on the past 365 days. I'm a firm believer in the importance of reflecting on the year, looking back on what you did or maybe didn't do, the goals you brilliantly accomplished or failed at miserably, and the person the year has shaped you into. Years often have a lot to teach us, and more often than not, it isn't until we sit down and reflect on them that we find the hidden gems, blessings, and lessons they provided us with.

As the new year started to approach, I found myself looking back on twenty seventeen and reflecting on the year it had been. I often find years have overarching themes, reoccurring lessons, or at the very least something that stands out as an 'ah-ha' moment of sorts. I am no stranger to this - my first ever blog post (one of my favorites to date) was a reflection on a more difficult year, and again I reflected last year on 2016, another year full of lessons. So, it was to my surprise that when I started to reflect on 2017, I had a hard time finding the lessons from the year. They didn't jump out at me like they had in years past.

2017 you had me a little stumped.

I had a hard time finding the meaning of the year, because in all honestly twenty seventeen was neither a spectacular year or on the flip side, a difficult year. However, twenty seventeen you were a good year. Definitely a good year. In my reflecting on twenty seventeen, I have come to realize that sometimes years aren't exceptionally magical, and sometimes years don't have life changing lessons to teach you, but if they are good, that is what matters. Take the good years and be grateful for them. Although they may not have felt overly special, if they were good, then you have plenty to be grateful for. In twenty seventeen if you had a job, a roof over your head, your health, food on the table, and most importantly the love of family and friends, then it was a very good year. For many, a good year isn't always guaranteed.

As I struggled to find the meaning and lessons of twenty seventeen, I came to realize that what is important are those good years. We don't always need spectacular or magical years, just like we don't always need life lessons that come from trials and tribulations. Of course, both are a given that's just the ebb and flow of life, but the good years that are in between are what matter. The culmination of those good years is what makes up a good life, and so twenty seventeen, I thank you for being just that. Thank you for being a really good year.

I wish you all the happiest of New Years, and it is my hopes that this year provides you with love to fill your heart, peace to ease your mind, and passion to chase all of your dreams. Hello twenty eighteen!!

xo. G