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…
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.
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.
Love this! And great pictures, too.
Thank you Christine!
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
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. š Thank you for your friendship in 2016 and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in your life in 2017!
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
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. š
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!
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!
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! š
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. š
xo
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.