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Life

Dear 2016

December 30, 2016December 30, 2016 Crystal // Dreams, etc. 12 comments
Dear 2016

Dear 2016, you were... // dreams-etc.com

Dear 2016,

You were not as hated by me as you were by many. That’s not to say

You were loved, because… well, that would be a lie. But you weren’t hated. You weren’t bad. You just…

You were.

You were amazing at times, but you were also hard. That’s life, I suppose.

You were the year of ruminating and I definitely thought things through. There are a few people in my life who might say I thought a little too much.

You were also the year of not thinking through some things as much as I probably could have.

You were the year I decided to give up on my dreams, so I took a break instead.

You were the year I learned just how important breaks are.

You were the year I feel like I really became comfortable with myself. I’ve become more comfortable over the years, but this year I fully embraced my quirks and didn’t feel a need to hide them.

You were the year I finally saw Harry Connick Jr. in concert. And the year I finally saw The Lion King musical. And the year I finally saw Stomp.

You were the year I learned some surprising things about myself… like I need people more than I think I do. (That might be one of the most annoying things about you, 2016.)

You were also the year I realized I actually can reach the point where I feel like I need a “people detox.” As in, a period of time with no people because there has been waaaay too much time with people. #introvertlife

You were the year of gaining some great friends. If you’re reading this, I hope you know who you are.

You were the year of some exciting travels.

You were also the year of my first solo travel.

You were the year I turned 30.

You were the year I realized 30 doesn’t actually feel very old. (Well, maybe it depends on the day…)

You were the year of unintentionally crossing things off the bucket list.

You were a year that wasn’t as productive as I had hoped you’d be. That’s partly because

You were busy. So busy! Let’s not be that busy again, please.

You were the year that forced me to say goodbye to a longtime friend.

You were the year that introduced me to two new friends.

You were a year I would describe as being filled with adventures and with questions. Thank you so much for the adventures and, I guess, I should thank you for the questions as well because…

You were the year that primed me to get shit done. I wouldn’t say I’m anxious for you to end, like I was with 2015, but I’m not sad to see you go. I’m ready for 2017.

Thank you for all of the above,

Crystal

[Tweet “Dear 2016, you were…”]

ps – Dear 2015, you were…

About Crystal

About Crystal

Hi! I'm Crystal, a millennial learning how to live slowly and sustainably, while still seeking adventure and following my dreams, etc.

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12 comments

  1. Ref J says:
    December 30, 2016 at 3:08 am

    Wow, sounds like 2016 was overall a great learning experience for you. Congrats on making your first solo trip, may you take a few more in the coming years.

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      January 2, 2017 at 10:41 am

      Thank you! It was a great learning experience. I feel like 2015 and 2016 were both great learning experiences and now it’s time to take those lessons and apply them to things that I’d like to accomplish!

      And thank you! It was such an exciting trip and I’m definitely looking forward to more in the upcoming years.

      Reply
  2. Christine says:
    December 30, 2016 at 7:34 am

    Love this! And great pictures, too.

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      January 2, 2017 at 10:40 am

      Thank you Christine!

      Reply
  3. Chrissy says:
    December 30, 2016 at 11:21 am

    I love this post and highlighting the good things as well as the bad ones!
    I hope 2017 will bring nothing but good your way, Crystal! Thanks for being a friend!
    Hugs xxx

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      January 2, 2017 at 10:40 am

      Thank you Chrissy! I always think it’s important to look at both the positive and negative, because both experiences are important and will help us grow. šŸ™‚ Thank you for your friendship in 2016 and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in your life in 2017!

      Reply
  4. Charlotte says:
    December 30, 2016 at 1:37 pm

    Awww, I loved this <3 So beautifully written. It wasn't the worst year for me either, if I'm being completely honest, but I know a lot of people are eager to see it off, which of course I understand, too. But it was a year of exceptional personal growth and stepping out of comfort zones and pushing myself harder and investing a bit more emotionally in things I didn't think I could. I fell a bit more, loved quite often, saw things I hadn't previously, and laughed a whole heck of a lot.

    I love that you got to see Harry, Stomp and the Lion King! And that you took a break, as opposed to giving up on your dreams. And that you didn't lose hope in some friendships but that you realized who the good ones are <3 That's so important. Some people wait an entire lifetime just for that realization alone!

    I want to thank you for your friendship in 2016 and for being a listener and for offering up this home so that I can come in and peek in on your life, too. Here's to a wonderful 2017, my sweet! XOXO

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      January 2, 2017 at 10:39 am

      Thank you Charlotte!

      I love what you wrote about stepping out of your comfort zone. I’d say that’s definitely something that I did as well this year. When I look back on it I really went after things that I wanted to go after, but had always held back from because it seemed uncomfortable to me. I’m glad I went out and did those things. And I loved what you wrote about falling, loving, seeing and laughing. All of that contributes a lot of happiness to a year. šŸ™‚

      Thank you for your friendship in 2016! I’ve enjoyed the conversations we’ve had both on my blog and on yours. I’ve loved being able to peek into your life throughout the year and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s to come for you in 2017!

      Reply
  5. Rebecca Hicks says:
    December 30, 2016 at 2:30 pm

    I loved this post- such a fun idea. I think my 2016 was very similar to yours. Full of great things, followed by heartbreak and good byes. I love your honesty and openness in this post. Here’s to an awesome 2017!

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      January 2, 2017 at 10:32 am

      Thank you Rebecca! It sounds like a lot of people have had a similar year. Happy New Year and yes! Here’s to an awesome 2017! šŸ™‚

      Reply
  6. Lindsay says:
    January 1, 2017 at 12:49 pm

    It certainly has been a year, plenty of ups and downs but a balanced year full of plenty. Plenty of positive, negative but most importantly, growth.

    Cheers to another year of strength, growth and courage. I hope it’s a good one for you. šŸ™‚

    xo

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      January 2, 2017 at 10:27 am

      That’s exactly how we need to look at the ups and downs in life. Every experience we have will shape us and if we let it, it will help us grow.

      Happy New Year Lindsay! I hope it’s a good one for you too.

      Reply

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hi!

I'm Crystal, the storyteller behind Dreams, etc. I'm all about learning how to live slowly & sustainably, while also seeking adventure as we follow our dreams, etc.

Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few g Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few glimpses from January. As 2022 came to an end I had this feeling that I was preparing to hibernate and I guess, in a way, I have. I’ve been slowly easing into the new year, focused on getting back into a few routines after Iceland and the holidays. And it’s been a great month. I can’t believe it’s almost over. What have your favorite moments of January been?
2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of 2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of so many dreams experiences. Whales. Cape Cod/Nantucket. Iceland. I saw musicals that have I’ve been dreaming of with Moulin Rouge, Wicked, and Six. 

It wasn’t without its stresses and rough moments but I’m grateful for the good that can be found, even when it’s hard.
Let’s journey back to November for the second we Let’s journey back to November for the second weekly dam walk of the month. My dad joined me for this one and we made it somewhat fast because it was a chilly day. ā€œThe water looks cold,ā€ I said when we back to the car.

Between Iceland and the below zero, windy, and snowy weather we had last week (which came with requests from my parents not to go) it’s been a few weeks since I’ve been to the dam and I miss it!
Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Vienna and it still lives in my memory today as such a special time. I know December in Reykjavik will be the same—and not just because I came home with a little over $100 worth of ornaments of all 13 Yule Lads AND their mom AND the Christmas cat. (There was a little bit of miscommunication between my mom and me on that shopping trip. šŸ˜‚)

It might have been cold (and when that wind hits you don’t want to be outside or by the harbour…I speak from windswept, breath-stolen experience and will forever be grateful for the library we eventually found respite in) and we only saw the sun a few hours each day, but seeing this already charming city decked out in Christmas lights with a skating rink and the prettiest tree secured it’s place in my heart.

Reykjavik, I hope to see you again one day. Soon. Probably not in December, but I’m glad I got to see you in December once.
Last year my niece and I visited New York at Chris Last year my niece and I visited New York at Christmastime and it was fun to see the city decked out in lights. I can also now say that I’ve seen the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and skating rink and the Saks Christmas lights, but I’ve also seen the crowds they draw.

It was completely different in Reykjavik this year. You actually had a chance to skate on the ice rink if you wanted (and I never did the conversation, but I think it’s cheaper) and you could actually walk up to the Christmas tree. Two very different Christmas in the city experiences.
Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle tour with a stop at Thingvellir National Park. My fingers froze as I took these photos but it was worth it to capture this view. šŸ˜ PS - the last photo is from a lake we stopped at on our way from Geysir to Thingvellir.
Iceland, Day 2, Part 1. We went on a rather unvent Iceland, Day 2, Part 1. We went on a rather unventful Northern Lights tour the night before and slipped in a few hours of sleep before meeting our bus for the Golden Circle tour. Our tour guide was @busdriver_annie and she was amazing! Pictured: Faxi (the small waterfall) Gullfoss (the big waterfall), a wool market where we also saw some animals, and Geysir (the hot springs area). Geysir is actually the most famous geyser in the world but it doesn’t erupt anymore. However, Strokkur erupts every 5 - 10 minutes. I’ll share more photos from the tour soon!
Iceland, Day 1. We landed bright and early at 6:30 Iceland, Day 1. We landed bright and early at 6:30 am, dropped off our bags at the hotel, and went exploring. We saw HallgrĆ­mskirkja, the amazing view from the bell tower, the rainbow street, and walked down Laugavegur. Swipe to the end to see the view from our apartment!
Scenes from November, which were mostly at the dam Scenes from November, which were mostly at the dam apparently.
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