Last look before moving forward

I guess it’s safe to say that 2017 was something else for everyone – it was a crazy mix of good and bad. I mean, just watch Google’s Year in Search and you’d know.

To me, 2017 was anxiety attacks brought about by all the violence under this administration, some hitting too close to home. It was days on autopilot and nights too dark and disorienting – especially after what happened in the bus. It was not feeling safe for a time beside any man, even my best friend. It was not being able to look at myself in the mirror, feeling foreign to my own body. It was falling out of good habits. It was days and days of taking antibiotics for various reasons. It was stronger allergy attacks. It was worrying about my loved ones. It was worrying about a lot of things. It was burnout.

But, at the same time, 2017 was 4 local destinations, 16 cities and 9 countries. It was hitting personal financial goals and shortly spending a portion of it to make things happen for myself. It was going back to Europe after 4 years. It was, to be honest, a lot of travelling – 2 whole months of it. It was nights spent with friends in usual places and chance encounters with lovely, lovely strangers in foreign cities. It was a taste of art school. It was small conflicts with my closest friends, only to realize how strong our bonds really are. It was working with the best Marketing team I could ever ask for. It was speaking out. It was seeking help. It was helping others. It was learning the kinds of justice, and realizing which one I need. It was forgiving those who didn’t ask for forgiveness. It was overcoming dark nights and rising above it. It was conversations – over beer, over Skype, in traffic, in the wee hours – and a lot of it. It was also, surprisingly, a lot of dancing. It was letting loose and trying new things. It was saying yes to experiences that make me feel alive. It was moving forward no matter what.

2017, you were something else. Thank you.

Conversation