Having a blog to write about my own experiences seems so self-indulgent and pretentious, which is probably why I don’t update it very often. However, given that this is the last day of the year, a day in which we are encouraged to reflect, and I have to say goodbye to my family today in order to make the journey back to my new home, I thought I’d indulge myself with a very personal post. Forgive me.

As I reflect on 2015  I am filled with profound gratitude. I realize this year was a once-in-a-lifetime-year, a monumental turning point for me in so many ways. I completed a lifelong dream of furthering my education; I officially became a teacher (which still hasn’t sunk in yet); I travelled to, and eventually relocated on the other side of the earth; I learned to drive a scooter which has been the most terrifying thing I have ever attempted; I came to terms with my broken heart; I met people from all corners of the globe who have become my life lines, some of whom brought me back to life; I watched (from afar) my amazing nephew turn from an infant into a toddler and one of the most incredible human beings I’ve ever met (thanks to his parents); I delighted in watching my own parents scratch their travel itch as they explored a number of new countries and cultures. All of these incredible moments came at a price though…

I worked my azz off in order to graduate all while acquiring some impressive student loans,  and I’m still reeling from the seemingly endless culture shock of relocating to Southeast Asia. But perhaps the biggest, most gut-wrenching sacrifice during 2015 has been missing out on so many important and mundane moments in my friends’ and family’s lives; moments and time that I will never recover or get back. There’s a part of me that just wants to stay at home so I don’t miss any more. Fortunately, during this holiday break I was able to meet up with some very special people who reminded me just how remarkable my life has become; neighbours and friends who told me how much they wish they could do what I’ve had the luxury of doing this past year. And so once again I am filled with gratitude.

If you are reading this blog (thank you!) I invite, encourage, implore you to make 2016 your own turning point year. Some of you are already well on your way (Savanna & Andrea, Chantelle & Sophie) and for the rest of you, I wish you a year of new experiences…big or small. Book the trip. Take the course. Fall in (or out of) love. Order something on a menu that you can’t pronounce. Plan. Work hard. Follow through. Yearn for something new, but  be grateful for what you have. Trust me, it’s sensational.

Happy, happy, happy New Year.
-K