HAPPY 2018!!!!
As usual, it's hard to believe that another year has whizzed by just like that. I'm sure that by now, you've heard the phrase, "New year, new me!!!!" more times than you'd like. People normally interpret this to mean that with the new year comes new opportunities and lessons that will transform them into a new, better version of themselves. While it makes for a nice mindset to have when setting goals, this statement blinds people to another important truth.
Why is it that whenever the new year rolls around, people speak of the last year as if it were awful and should be forgotten in order to have a new start? I mean, sure, every year there are bad things that happen, but there are also many good things that happen. There are many good lessons that are learned. For me, there are many memories I would like to keep from 2017. It was a year where I felt I grew so much and honestly, I wouldn't trade it for the world.
So yes, a new year can signify new growth and improvement. But while that is exciting, that doesn't mean that the past year becomes irrelevant. Keep the lessons of last year and use them as foundations for new lessons to be learned this year. But don't feel that you have to throw away the you of last year and don't force yourself to be a new and improved version of yourself just cuz it's a new year. Change and growth WILL come naturally through the many experiences that are in store for you this year!
What the new year looks like doesn't depend on the number that is written on the calendar, but on our mindsets. Are you going to close yourself off to new opportunities just because it's uncomfortable and maybe even scary? Or are you going to allow yourself to be exposed to new things, to new lessons?
This new year, let's not only celebrate the future endeavors that await us, but let's also celebrate all the lessons and experiences of the past year!
~jo
A RECAP OF 2K17:
Directed a show with an AMAZING co-director and cast
Assistant stage managed Guys and Dolls which turned out FABULOUS!!
Planned and taught a lesson to junior high-ers at my church with my co-small group leader (which was totally scary at first but by God's grace, went well!)
Got accepted into UT yah yah yah!!!!
FINALLY learned how to cook eggs (yes I know I'm late)
Experienced prom (though it's nothing like HSM)
GRADUATED from HS!!!!
Lived a dream in Japan + Taiwan
Drank way too much boba
HELD HANDS WITH LOML ERIC NAM <3<3<3
Said goodbye to my fam and friends in OH as I embarked on a new adventure
This blog was born!!!!!
Met my AMAZING friends in Epic who are my fam away from fam <3
Shared the gospel with a stranger for the first time
Drank way too much boba (again)
Talked to homeless people for the first time in my life (each conversation a life-changing experience)
Played IM volleyball?!?!? And it was FUN?!?!?!
Learned how to floss (and not the dental hygiene kind if ya know what I mean)
Experienced Austin's coffee shop culture (yum yum in my tum tum)
Watched my first anime (wutttttt?!?!)
Spent my first Thanksgiving away from home, but got to spend time with my aunt!
Learned how to go with God's flow and not my own. My flow <<<<< God's flow
Flew on a plane alone for the first time (p exciting tbh)
Reunited with friends from North Carolina + Minnesota at winter retreat where I learned more about God's magnificent and merciful love!!
Experienced God's abundant love and grace and protection (yet again)
+ much, much MORE!