Time of the Year

With another new year approaching, I think it is only appropriate to reflect on the year that has passed and think of new goals and aspirations for the year ahead.

I sometimes forget how fortunate I am [we are] to have purchased my [our] first home. Both Gene and I managed to find a place that we both agreed on, after over 12 months of searching. Auctions included. And we are slowly making it ours. Putting up memorabilia and paintings from our travels. Sitting out in the courtyard, soaking up the sun... enjoying a nice cooling beverage.

I find it hard to believe that this was the same year that my family went through what we went through. It was not easy being away and knowing what was clouding all of our thoughts. It brought us closer together, more than ever but it also made us question our identities. There were so many people who stepped up and helped me and my family out. Be it through conversation, making calls to people that they knew [to see if their contacts may bridge the unknowns], giving me time to cry, trusting me to go away when I needed to and praying for my family. Gene stands out from the crowd in being my fortress of hope and strength. It was not easy for him at all but he put all else second so I could do what I needed to.

This was also the same year that I flew to India for the first time. I stepped into a leadership position and it was exhilarating. I worked with the most welcoming and hospitable team. And it was so rewarding being in the role, even if it was just for two weeks. In saying that, it was not how I imagined my 31st birthday and 4 year anniversary but I really wanted the work experience. Funnily enough, it was a pivotal moment in my life and I learned then that week long travels for work were not meant for me, as incredible as they were. There were more important things in my life like being there with the people that I really cared about.

Have I mentioned my obsession with flamingos and pineapples? I just love flamingos. There is something about the cartoon of flamingos that makes me so happy. And pineapples! Ever since I saw a railing of pineapples in Paraty, Brazil, I cannot help but continue to feel so friggin happy when I see that bright colour of yellow and green. And lo and behold, flamingos and pineapples are in season right now. I have pineapple earrings, a flamingo tshirt, a flamingo-shaped neon light [thanks Thia!] and a combination of both for my iphone cover [thanks lover!]

I feel like I am more mindful these days. And that I check in whenever there is too much on.

I am actually looking forward to 2017. Maybe it is because I have been getting panic attacks thinking about projects that I have to close out before the year ends that I cannot wait for a fresh start.

What do I want in 2017?

I want to be able to talk things through and to focus on making things work.

I want to be resilient [through humility, understanding and breathing] when faced with and when experiencing anger, irrational behaviour and stress.

I want to be able to stretch myself and step out of my comfort zone but still maintain the part of me that makes me who I am. To be human.

I want to be healthy. Work out. Have a new routine that brings me outdoors and connects me with my surroundings.

I want to be able to work through stress like a lobster.

I want to spend quality time with the people that matter.

I want to make a difference.

[insert smile here]

To the 365 days that I have yet to experience, I welcome you and pray that God will watch over everyone that I hold dearly in that time... and keep them safe.