Looking back on 2017
auld lang syne : ôld laNG ˈzīn, noun: times long past.
2017.
Man, what a year it’s been. Something I love about a new year is that it always brings me to reminisce on the past while looking forward to the future. Last year I wrote a blog about my hopes for the year ahead and the fun things I had done in 2016. It’s funny to look back a year later and see all that has happened since then.
In the last year I’ve forged strong friendships, traveled to new cities and countries, and found a joy in work and settling in to “adult” life. It feels like this year has gone in a blink. It seems like these “times long past” go by so quickly and it can be hard to take them all in before they pass. I’m not one for resolutions, but last year I told myself to be sure to visit friends in new cities, say “yes” to any opportunity I could, and try to live in every moment. It’s easy to get caught up in daily stresses and schedules, but I’ve found that taking time to travel and take time to yourself is important.
I had the opportunity to visit New Orleans to visit family and partake in some Mardi Gras festivities, head to Austin to see friends from school and explore a new city, visit my sister in Atlanta, and spend a long weekend in Nashville with some of my best friends. All are such amazing cities that have so much to offer. These trips gave me the chance to catch up with friends and family, and eat as much food as possible. Although it can be hard to come home from a vacation, these trips have helped me appreciate the friends and life I’ve made in my home base as well.
I was also lucky to take in the sights and culture of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands (will post about that sometime soon). With cheap flights to Quito and plenty of affordable food and accommodation, it’s a great place to explore. We stayed with family from Ecuador and it was incredibly interesting to see what life is like in an entirely different country from people who live there. It was a once in a life time experience and I hope to be back soon.
Though these travels were amazing and unforgettable, my absolute favorite experience of 2017 happened just an hour away from home. Over the summer I volunteered as a camp counselor at Flying Horse Farms and it was life-changing to say the least. I was in a cabin with eight 11 year old kids who have experienced sickness and cancer at such a young age and yet are so bright and optimistic. It really changed my perspective and will always be a part of me. I already am planning on heading back for a weekend in Spring and another week in the summer.
All of these experiences have made saying goodbye to 2017 bittersweet. But with more travels and adventures to be had in 2018, I’m looking forward to what’s to come. I hope you all have a great new year!
Until next time,
Ian
