With Christmas over, things are gearing up for New Year’s Eve…how crazy is it that we are coming up on 2018? Some days I feel as though it was just a few weeks ago we were ringing in the New Year for 2017. Other times, I feel as though this year has just dragged on for far too long. Does that make sense?

Every year is unique and provides us with different opportunities, and can challenge us in ways we never expect. There is always something new to experience and learn with each passing year. 2017 was no exception.

I personally found that 2017 came with quite a few challenges and changes in my life. There were a few big changes that occurred for me this year. For example, I took a leave from my job back in my hometown to work in my current town (I had been commuting before and I am again now), I finished my final year of University and graduated, and I celebrated my first wedding anniversary with Danny.

Despite any challenges and negativity that surrounds this year, 2017 taught me incredibly important lessons and I thought that I would share them with you today.

1.) Be open to new experiences and opportunities, no matter how “scary” they may seem

2.) Do not give up on yourself

3.) Ask for help when you need it

4.) You are allowed to feel how you feel

5.) Don’t feel that you have to justify yourself all the time

6.) Reach out to people as often as you can

7.) Things don’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay

8.) Choose faith over fear

9.) Stop buying in to the comparison game. It does not get you anywhere

10.) Grace is a beautiful thing

11.) Forgive and move forward. Let go of the hurt once you have chosen to forgive someone, otherwise you truly haven’t forgiven them

12.) You can always find joy in hard times….sometimes it just takes the extra effort to look for it

13.) If something doesn’t fulfill you, move on from it

14.) Pray as often as you can

15.) Express gratitude every single day. For people, for things, for experiences, for everything. 

16.) Let go of anger and hatred. You will feel so free when you do.

17.) Your relationship with yourself is extremely important. Treat it with as much love and care as any other relationship.

 

Those are just a few of the lessons I learned this year. I am excited to see what 2018 has in store for all of us and I am looking forward to learning even more.

Reflecting on the past year is an important step (at least for me) to move into the new year with a positive mind-set. Bring it on 2018, I’m ready for you!

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What are some of the lessons you have learned in 2017? I’d love to hear what you have to say!

Thank you for reading,

-Sydney