Another year has come and gone. Another year of firsts and lasts, hellos and goodbyes, achievements and disappoints, and memories that will never be forgotten. I’ve never been one for the sappy end of the year posts and the unrealistic New Year’s resolution lists. Rather, I’m interested in how 365 days can change a person’s life and how reflection on these changes can improve our years to come.
I have found that reflecting back on these changes can work as a type of therapy. Whether you start at the beginning of the year or a random day of any month, you will be able to realize that you are growing.
To my family,
I hope we continue to grow with each other. Growing up is inevitable, like my mother told me tonight. Both of her children, my brother and I, are moving closer to adulthood with every day that passes. Although this is a terrifying feeling for all of us, it doesn’t mean we have to move away from each other. Distance is only physical. Family is forever in our hearts. This year was full of change. My father started a new job, my brother recently graduated from college, and my mother and I have always found something new to argue about. 2017 may be a looming, scary year, but I know it won’t stop us from loving each other.
To my friends,
we have been through so much in one year. We have laughed together and cried together. We have even cried some more. We have plotted schemes and recorded dramatic scenes. There is nothing more satisfying than knowing I will always have you guys by my side. We have proven the stereotypical “high school friends will always grow apart” by growing closer even at three different colleges. We were even blessed enough to pick up some great people along the way. As we almost find our way into adulthood, there is nobody I’d rather be by my side. I can’t wait to live through successes and failures together, until one day, when we finally figure this whole “life” thing out.
To my future,
Every time I think I finally have you figured out, I change my mind. I feel like I have led myself through so many dead end streets, trying to find the best plan for my future. Except, maybe there never really is “The Plan” for a successful future. Maybe a successful future is full of laughter, love, and many bumps in the road. I guess I’ll try to find the perfect ingredients.
To my body,
You are past the age of growth spurts. Yet, you change every day, usually in ways that I hate. You change in ways that nobody else sees but me. You have the hardest, most frustrating job that exists — keeping me alive. Whether you know it or not, I truly appreciate you for all that you do. This past year has been weird for you. You’ve been sick and hurt, you’ve gained muscles from work and stress from school. I hope our 2017 is more gentle and loving on both of us.
To my mind,
I believe in you. I know you struggle and I know you fight with my body, but you still grow. You grow with knowledge, every college class we make it to. You learned how to solve math problems (sort of) and you learned how to tie a double fisherman’s knot. You are so strong and smart that it is often scary. You can intimidate people and I hope you never stop.
To myself,
Everything I’ve talked about so far is you. You are your family (including your dog), your friends, your future, your body, and your mind. You are infinite and resilient and a force to be reckoned with. Often times you hide behind your fears and do not give credit to yourself. I hope one year from now you are stronger in your confidence and healthier in your thoughts.
