Lately everyone has been commenting on the past year. Even Facebook has an “in review” section to remind me of the events.

One thing I have noticed is how many people are saying either “Good riddance, 2013” or “Good luck, 2014”. We as humans, North Americans, First-world inhabitants, see the past year as either a good year or a bad year. One that was difficult or one that was wonderful. There seems to be no in-between.

Why do we do this? Why do we say good riddance? Maybe my life has just never been as difficult or I haven’t had long-suffering in the same way. But I don’t yet understand how, out of an entire year, the bad can outweigh the good. That seems ludicrous to me.

Maybe it’s just the past few months that people are remembering, and not that awesome trip they took over the summer, or the cooking class they did with their best friend, or the new and wonderful people they met in their classroom in January. Maybe they’re simply looking at the outcome of an event, and not what it taught them or how it brought them closer to the true friends they have.

Maybe it’s just that my positive spirit is overwhelming my perspective. Either way, I don’t get it.

I’m so thankful for this year. I’m thankful for my friends who came over after my birthday party in January and ate McDonalds with me. I’m never going to forget my road trip with Betty in February. I am always going to have my Fame-ily, which performed beautifully in March. I survived the tears of April because of the most amazing small team anyone could ask for (FSQUARED4EVA!). I met two of my favourite people by absolute fluke in May. I’m blessed with being able to read kids books for my degree in June. I was able to enjoy the sunshine in July. I ran my first, but not last, half marathon in August. September brought Sunshine Manor and it’s pretty ladies together. October was the beginning of literary shirts at Koerner’s pub. I was hit with the biggest struggle of my life thus far in November, which forced me to reflect and choose who to keep close. I have enjoyed a restful and continuously reflective December.

I’m thankful for 2013. It forced me to evolve, it shaped me and reminded me of my core truth and purpose in life. With all that to say, I welcome you, 2014. I’m excited for the adventures you will bring (mainly Australia haha)

From Leo and myself to you. Cheers and have a very safe and happy New Year.