2017 - A Different Review

I failed more than I succeeded, and I'm better for it.

With the 2017 school year now in the books, I can finally bask in the glory of vacation, even though I'm already missing the classroom (I know, I'm nuts).

​​When years come to a close, there is a trend of recounting all of the accomplished goals or milestones set throughout the year, but I’m not going to sit here and reflect on all of the good and bad of 2017. I have mixed feelings about reflecting on achieving shallow, society driven goals or the many new things I tried and succeeded or failed at doing throughout the year. Do you care? Does it impact you? Not at all (hopefully). And I’m not sitting here pretending that my words can shape anything but my own interpretation of things as they were and are. I will do a private personal self-reflection, reviewing the highs and lows of 2017, but what can I take away from it other than that it’s now the past and I’m a product of these choices so I might as well just hang out here in the present?
 
Upon reflection, if I know that I’m pushing myself out of my comfort zone, working hard on a daily basis to better myself in a variety of ways, putting in a consistent effort to maintain and build new relationships, then that should be enough, no? Or admitting to prioritizing naps over human interaction some days, or bailing on engagements because I wanted to be alone, or not following through on promises all of the time. I’m human. We are human. Life happens. 

​ If we can’t accept our triumphs without summarizing them, sharing them, dare I say bragging about them, then something seems off centre. Our world is driven by immediate satisfaction and we can’t seem to stay too long in our own company without philosophizing about all of the things our brain has come up with and how we must share this immediately or risk not being acknowledged for our interesting thoughts.
 
Do things for you, not for your followers or friends. Take pride in knowing that waking up every day and getting through those 24 hours in one piece is enough. The books you’ve read, the drinks and food you’ve consumed, the places you’ve gone, the jobs you’ve worked, the passions you’ve pursued, all of these things mean nothing if you can’t find that place deep within yourself where you are utterly content knowing that you worked hard today and didn’t rely on others to feel like you were good enough. 

 
In an age of over-sharing, in which we are all no doubt guilty, it’s important to remember that time can be given to things without seeking the reassurance of others. Maybe that could be a goal for 2018: make a list, and keep it to yourself. Hold yourself accountable. Keep chasing your dreams, make bold moves towards self-improvement and prioritize happiness, but know that you can find contentment without the validation of others. You are so much more than that.
 
2017 was what you made of it.
 
2018, you’ll get what you put into it.
  
Success is possible. Failure is inevitable. And the world keeps spinning either way.