And just like that, 2017 is now coming to an end and becoming another chapter of the past. I bet we’re all thinking the same thing: That. Was. Fast.
Once New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day roll around, everybody is going to be frantic and full of energy. You’ll have the ones happy to have a fresh start after a year that passed by just a bit too slowly, and you’ll have the ones who are apprehensive about the new year and the change it could bring.
For me at least, 2017 flew by and it was full of change (good and bad), new lessons learned, amazing times spent with amazing friends, and so much more. For the world, a lot happened in 2017 too. Here were some news highlights of 2017:
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2017 Academy Awards: Best Picture mix-up between Moonlight and La La Land
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May: Suicide Bomber kills 22 people at an Ariana Grande Concert at Manchester Arena
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June: Beyoncé and Jay Z welcome twins – a boy and a girl!
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October: The tragic Las Vegas shooting which left 58 people dead and 546 injured, making it the worst mass shooting in United States history
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The Harvey Weinstein sexual assault Scandal and the #MeToo movement
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A new addition to the Royal Family: Duchess Kate and Prince William are expecting a third child!
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Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s official filing of divorce
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Kylie Jenner’s pregnancy announcement
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Selena Gomez and the Weeknd’s Breakup (and then her fast get-together with Justin Bieber again)
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The big fight between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent engagement announcement
These are just some of the many headlines that made the front pages of the news this past year. A lot happened in 2017 and with each of these events – happy or sad, big or small – the world reflected on them, said silent prayers, shed tears or rejoiced, and acknowledged each. It was definitely a big, big year for the world.
So, now what? Now that we’re getting into the last week or so of the year, it’s your time to reflect on how your 2017 went, whether you do it in your head or write down a list like the one above. If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that time for reflection – whether it’s daily, weekly or in this case, annually – is so incredibly important.
While your 2017 might not have seen wedding announcements, boxing matches or celebrity red-carpet news, events still happened. There might have been firsts and there might have been lasts. First day of school. Last first day. First time skydiving. And also shortly after, maybe your sworn last time skydiving. First time seeing snow. Last goodbye with a good friend. 2017 might have just been routine, but here and there might it have been sprinkled with adventure. Buying a one-way ticket to a country in Europe. Choosing to get six slices of cake at CoGro all at once (completely adventurous). Exchange decisions for next year. A lake swim at 2 a.m.
So now think about your 2017 – these past 365 days, and all the ups and downs that came with it. What stood out? What were some of your favourite days and moments? Can you see them in your head? Do you remember how they made you feel?
What were some things you were happy with this year? Did you have days that made you feel on top of the world, or accomplishments that you were beyond proud of? Moments that make you feel all giddy when you think about them? What were some things that you hated this year? People? Events? Memories?
All our moments – bad and good, happy or sad – have made our year. They’ve shaped it someway or somehow. Don’t just focus on the good and ignore the bad; the bad was still part of the whole experience.
This isn’t the time to think about 2018 just yet. That might come in the next few days. As of now, just focus on what this year brought for you, on all that this year has taught you and how this year has helped you grow. There’s a quote that says, “Don’t go through life. Grow through life.” Has 2017 helped you do that? Where have you grown?
Look back on your resolutions that you had made back in January and see if you have managed to accomplish them. Did the year go the way you had wanted it to? Did you stick to a plan, or were you more flying by the seat of your pants?
No matter how much reflection you’re doing, in my opinion, the big overarching question is still: Were you happy this year? Are you pleased?
Whether 2017 was really your year or just another year you prefer not to remember, it’s now in the past and you become something from it. Give yourself some space to reflect and then when you’re ready, move on to 2018. I hope your 2018 starts off the way you want it to!