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Dear 2017,
Wow. Where do I even begin? You have been quite the life-changing year. You started out like the last five before it, but already I was sensing that you had something else in store for me. That you, 2017, would be special. One to remember. The winds of change had started to blow.
Do you remember when I got the crazy idea to leave everything behind and go on this adventure? I was shocked at first too, but through the circumstances of life you showed me that it was time for me to go.
Up until May, you were really stressing me out. There was a lot you threw at me to figure out and a deal with, but now I see that it was only growing pains. Sometimes you have to suffer and sacrifice to get to the good stuff. And man, did you deliver.
Your summer was by far the best of my life, 2017. It was a dream come true. I got to see so many of my friends and family along the way, but for a lot of it, there are memories that only you and I will share. Every day was a gift to unwrap. I am so grateful.
Let’s be honest, in September you got a little out of control. Three hurricanes…really? Then Tom Petty? Why?! And I’m just going to pretend football season never happened. The stress definitely came back, but you know what? It was the kind of stress that made me hustle more. It’s that drive that makes you want to make things happen for yourself instead of sitting around waiting for it to happen. That was cool.
Now here we are and change in 2018 is imminent. It’s almost as if you planned it this way — that I would have to stay on your ride to the very end to know what was going to happen. I can’t wait to see in what way you hand me off to 2018. It’ll be your final gift to me.
So thank you, 2017, for being different, and exciting, and rollercoaster-y. For showing me the simultaneous anxiety and promise of not knowing what tomorrow will bring. It’s years like you that remind us that life is meant to be LIVED! I felt alive. What a beautiful way to remember you by.
On Dec. 31 when I’m counting down to midnight, as we say goodbye to each other, I will close my eyes and breathe you in ’til the very last second. I will always look back on you with awe. You were very good to me. I will never forget you.
Love,
estefania
“Man I ain’t changed/but I know I ain’t the same.”
-The Wallflowers, One Headlight
Picture: Near the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, May 31, 2017