Looking Back on 2017 - Friday Reflections

2017...

I tell ya what, this time last year, I was scared to death as to what the new year might bring.  At the time, I was not in a good place.  The year had been very tumultuous and I found myself in uncharted waters, completely uncertain of whether the upcoming year would only perpetuate the problems and uncertainties of 2016 or if the new year would bring about solutions and change and, most of all, peace.  I was hopeful but cautious.

As I sit here, reflecting back on the past twelve months, I realize that much of it was a blur because it seemed to pass by in an instant. My parents and grandparents were right all those times that they told me that the older you get, the quicker it seems to go by. 

This year may go down as one of the wildest and craziest years in terms of national events, but for me, 2017 was a blessing. It was quiet and calm. As the days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months, my spirit, which was severely battered and bruised last year, was renewed. I let go of things that were holding me back and I started living my life again.  

I could probably write several posts recapping my year, sharing all that I learned and all the ways that I grew, but, frankly, I don't want to.  I don't want to analyze this, I don't want to examine it under a microscope and pick it apart.  Rather, I simply just want to be grateful for all that the year brought me and all the experiences I had. But, I know that makes for a boring post, so here are a few highlights of the year that was:

• I received the transfer I had been waiting on for years.
• I walked 1225 miles (2.9 million steps) and wore out three pairs of sneakers and one FitBit in the process.
• I befriended someone in need.
• I said goodbye to someone who took a piece of my heart.
• I replaced nearly 75% of my wardrobe because all my clothes became too big.
• I saw my stepdaughter graduate, something both her father and I on several occasions and for various reasons, thought we might never see.
• I found a friend in the most unlikeliest of places.
• I saw places in my home state of West Virginia that I had only before seen in pictures.
• I became a kayaker.
• I prayed for the safety of a friend who was in Hurricane Harvey's path.
• I ate tons of lettuce and sugar snap peas.
• I hit a weight loss plateau in early April and am still trying to break through it.
• I watched video footage of the mass shooting in Las Vegas and the violent clashes in Charlottesville in utter shock and disbelief. 
• I read/listened to 44 books/audiobooks, but didn't complete my Goodreads challenge of reading 50 books.
• I stepped out of my comfort zone and wore a low cut, red cocktail dress on a cruise.
• I helped someone get her "dream job." (Honestly, that's what she said.)
• I applauded TIME for their Person of the Year selection.
• I paid off my car early.
• I had another year with my octogenarian grandparents.
• I made it through my mid-life crisis relatively unscathed.
• I found my mojo.

Looking forward into the new year, into the great unknown, is a lot different for me than it was 365 days ago.  Although I'm not foolish enough to believe that no hardships or curveballs won't come my way, because that's simply a part of life, I look towards the new year with optimism and extreme gratitude.  What a tremendous gift that is.

2017, thank you.  

2018, see you soon.

May 2018 bring you much happiness, bountiful blessings, and good health. 

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