Scrolling through my camera roll at the end of a year always shows me how much can actually happen in only 365 days. And looking at all the pictures I’ve taken in 2022, I also realize how much the person I was at the beginning of this year is different to the person I am today. Because not only have I grown with the passing of each day, but also with every laughter I shared, every tear I shed and every challenge I mastered.
In general, 2022 has definitely been a year for the books. It has been a good but also messy one. On some days, I felt lost and anxious and tended to question every single choice I’ve made in my life. And sometimes, it seemed I got stuck on a never-ending emotional rollercoaster ride. But then there were also those beautifully weird and unexpected moments that showed me that life is actually not that bad.
On the contrary: life might be challenging, messy and overwhelming, but it’s also full of surprises, beautiful, enriching and educational. It is like a flood of emotions that collide and push you to limits you didn’t even know existed, only to get you exactly where you need to be in this very moment. And with every wave you conquer, you always thrive a little more.
All of this year’s experiences finally gave me the strength to quit things that don’t feel right, to throw societal expectation over board, and to let go of things that are out of my control or responsibility. To stop being afraid of going with the flow more often, ending outdated friendships or admitting when I’m not okay. And once more this year, I realized how much I’ve actually achieved and that being alone doesn’t mean I’m lonely. Because I’ll always have all those inspiring and wholehearted people I’m lucky enough to call my family and friends around me.
And this year, I am not just grateful for all those special friendships but also for being able to afford going to therapy and having the resources to travel the world. But most of all, I’m grateful for being healthy and especially for being safe – a privilege, unfortunately, not everyone has these days.
2022 showed me that it’s not so bad when things don’t go as planned because getting off your path and leaving your comfort zone often leads you to the most exciting things. And with that being said, I’m more than excited to see where the path I’m currently on will lead me next year. Cheers to 2023!
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