Said goodbye, turned around, and you were gone, gone, gone…

Throughout the year, I’ve been compiling a page of memories from 2013 – including notable events I experienced, books I read, music I listened to, movies and television shows I watched, etc. – and now it is complete! CHECK IT OUT: Scrapbook 2013. I also created a few photosets of my Top Favourites of 2013 on Tumblr.

2013 was a tricky year of goodbyes, changes, and the search for a new beginning. I went from a foundation of stability to a gradually sliding slope (as I transitioned from an involved and studious university student to the unfamiliar territory of an unemployed graduate). Honestly, some days, it took a lot of willpower to hold on to the hope that things will look up soon. But I know that it will, with hard work and patience.

The purpose of these year in review posts is to look back over the year and reflect on what you did and what you learned. Even though I didn’t reach my goal of finding a job and starting my career by the end of 2013, I still accomplished quite a bit, such as writing, volunteering, traveling, and of course, graduating. The most important lesson I learned this year was to be brave. Bravery manifests itself anywhere and everywhere you allow it – in small acts (in getting up to face a brand new day) and in bigger steps (in sharing your passions with the world). The more you embrace courage, the more you’ll get out of life.

I’d say that all of the good things offset those unlucky moments of 2013. Looking ahead to 2014, I have high hopes that this year will be better. 2014 is a multiple of 7. 7 is my lucky number. Therefore, 2014 will be my glory year!

Like a drum, baby, don’t stop beating.