A New Year Reflection

2018 was a year of heightened feelings and senses. It was the year I found myself in funny situations, talking to new people constantly, learning more than my brain could contain. it was the feeling of loss, it was tears of joy and hugs that spoke more than words, it was pent up frustration that seemed to have no outlet, it was moments of loneliness replaced by the feeling of love, it was the calmness I felt looking at beautiful scenery out of many moving vehicles. It was each new flavor that set my tastebuds aflame, it was the smell of the sea, smokey campfires, crowded cities, and crisp mountain air.

2018 was a year of change, it was filled with many FaceTime conversations, speed packing, nights out at newly discovered bars, summer rooftop hangouts, new friends that you made memes of, delayed flights that led to airport sleepovers, it was hours singing to songs in the car. It was about finding balance while constantly moving.

Last NYE We snuck up to a rooftop pool in Melaka, looked down from the edge of the pool at the people celebrating below, and finished our night dancing to a group of old men rocking out on their guitars. This year, I spent it conversing with new friends over plates of food, on the back of a motorbike navigating past some really mellow Jakarta traffic, and squeezing into a crowded train to head back to one of my current ‘homes’. On the way to my home, I passed someone with a shirt that read “life is about the journey not the destination”. A cliche saying but it was a truly important reminder of the immense privilege I have, that I get to lead my life like an open book, waiting for daily inspiration to write the next chapter.

I’m grateful for 2018, and excited for what will come in 2019.