Hi y’all. It’s been a gosh darn minute and for some reason I now have a Southern twang.
I’m going to be honest and say that 2018 was absolute trash. I don’t think I’ve had a year where I just needed it to end and be wiped from my memory. Permanently. I tossed up whether it was even necessary to write some kind of 2018 wrap up but ultimately, I wanted to step into the New Year with a brighter and more positive outlook on life. There were things I was grateful for in 2018 (the entire year wasn’t terrible) and rather than focusing on all the bad I want to recognise the good to remind myself that being thankful is necessary in life.
I am grateful for the privilege to travel
In May this year I jetted off to Europe alone and had a blast. Honestly, it was the highlight of my year! I was blogging about it until I disappeared, but I promise I’m going to finish it off in the new year. Read the first post here!
To me, travelling is a privilege. I recognise that I am in a very fortunate situation to be able to afford to and have the ability to visit so many different places in the world. Travelling has rapidly become one of my passions, being able to see the beauty in various countries and experiencing their cultures. However, I quickly became aware of how lucky I am, in that my parents never had this luxury when they were young and even now there are people in poorer countries that struggle to even survive let alone see the wonders of the world.
I am grateful for the people in my life
I’m the type of person that places a lot of importance in relationships with friends and family. My overambitious ass tries to stay in contact with every single individual that I’ve come across and has somehow made an impact in my life. Which was why it was incredible that during my travels to Europe I got to catch up with the friends I made during my exchange trip in South Korea, 2015. Three years on and it was so nice just to reminisce, have a laugh and make new memories. Along my adventures through Europe I also made some new friendships, which I find is always the best part in travelling solo. In 2018 I also learnt to surround myself with people who make my life better, will lift me up and support me and be honest. The phrase ‘quality over quantity’ is insanely accurate when you apply it to the relationships in your life. You could have 500 different people you call friends but not one of them is honest or loyal to you, or you could have a handful of friends who know you better than you do. It’s your life, you get to choose.
I am grateful for the basic necessities I have
Don’t mistake this as me trying to scrape the bottom of the barrel for things I’m grateful for this year. I know there wasn’t much, but truly, being able to enjoy great tasting food, have access to technology such as the laptop I’m using right now and internet connection and overall cleanliness and health is something we should all be grateful for. Every day of our lives. It’s easy to take it all for granted. I mean we were born into it, we never had to witness the struggles and hard work that granted us all this. But I am thankful that I have a roof over my head, a car to travel to and from, and clothes - even though I do find myself constantly complaining about not having anything to wear. It’s worth reminding yourself to be thankful for having a comfortable and enjoyable life.
I think when I do ever look back on 2018, the rollercoaster ride that it was, is still a ride that is probably what I needed. It gave me a jolt. I do feel as though I was just coasting along and although yes, I did have goals and plans, I have never implemented anything and followed through. Throwing me into the deep end has now geared me up to drive towards my aspirations. I am so incredibly happy, or maybe it’s relieved, to say goodbye to 2018. It’s done, it’s over. Onwards and upwards, they say.
