2017...
Was a hard year. Nothing about it was easy but I feel like it was a year that prepared me for a lot, however it’s definitely not a year I’d ever want a replay of.
The year started off pretty good, I had a goal to open my own small business which I did in the first week of January. I’m almost sure that I’ll be closing said business soon but it was such a good experience and I felt accomplished for even being able to start in the first place. Things took a nosedive in around March when I hit my new car... 3rd accident in less than a year. I could barely drive anymore and I know even though the first accident was the worst, it’s the two smaller ones that followed that caused the real trauma because I was so terrified that it would continue happening. Also, I do not have the easiest parents to deal with when it comes to these things so that added to the fear.
On the day of my birthday we (my family and I) went to dinner and it was a total disaster. That’s another night I could just do without the memory of. My birthday is always something I celebrate and I just feel like it was ruined this year. The bright side is I celebrated the day before my actual birthday with my friends and it was pretty perfect.
I took my first solo trip this year to my dream destination nonetheless, London. I didn’t think it would’ve been possible but at the very last minute my dad pulled through. It was such a fantastic trip, and a great learning experience and it has further fueled my love for traveling, and London in general. I can’t wait to do it all over again, and perhaps, better next time.
In May were my law exams which I prepared as best as I could for...and failed. I spent a lot of time studying and trying my best to ensure that I passed these exams and the outcome was the complete opposite. Strangely enough...actually I’m not sure if it’s strange as I’d already prepared myself and said if I passed the exams necessary to continue then that’s God’s way of saying that it’s for me, and if I didn’t then it wasn’t. When the results came out I just felt an enormous sense of relief over this, I was just so glad to be free of this extreme burden. Yes, I’d slowly come to see it as a burden, the constant pressure and overwhelming stress coupled with the crazy expectations was driving me insane.
So this was a blessing in disguise.
With this over, I finally applied for a programme that I wanted to apply for for ages. I submitted a short story to a competition and I started taking Japanese classes which I wanted to do for a long while. This short time period seems to be great progress personally and I’m extremely proud of myself for it.
I also got to see Luke after over a year in October and I was so happy about that. Even though the reason for him coming home was due to the devastation of hurricane Irma in Turks and Caicos, I’m just so happy that I got to see him. It felt very different this time, I feel like we got much closer and I’m so thankful. In fact I’ve felt so much closer to my few friends this year and I’m so appreciative of them.
Between October to December things have been constantly up and down. I have been doing quite well at Japanese and I really enjoyed it this semester so I’ll be continuing with it next semester. (And actually focusing on finding a job). Taking Japanese has done so much for my life that I can’t ever be grateful enough. I’m so happy for the new friends, the things I’ve learnt and the memories I’ve made.
I really hope 2018 is better than 2017. I try not to have high hopes but I really really hope this year is a turn around for me. 2017 has taught me how to be grateful in so many ways I hadn’t thought about before, for every little thing, and it’s a quality I’m glad I’ve adopted.
So here’s to 2017, good riddance! Welcome 2018! I can’t wait to see what marvels and memories you hold...
Wishing you and yours a very bright and prosperous new year! I hope 2018 holds many precious, new, and good things for you all.
xoxo, Shantilly.
