In the past, I used to recap the biggest fashion news stories of the year in a series I called A Look Back. Unfortunately, this practice only lasted for two years. This year, to close off 2016, I want to bring back the series - not because it has been a significant year in fashion, but because it has been a significant year in my personal life.
My year started off with heartbreak. But in the process of learning how much the heart can ache, I discovered the love of my closest friends. I experienced spiritual growth and embraced independence. Yet, just when I felt stronger, I got held down again by the difficulty of finding a job in the depressed economy. Having a career has been my driving force for the past 10 years, and I felt distressingly lost in those months I kept struggling to stand out in the job market. I took reprieve from it all when I went on a family trip to celebrate my official graduation from university. Upon my return, things turned around immediately. I was offered a position that suited the education and experience I had. My family and I moved to a new condo downtown. I began volunteering for local fashion and entertainment opportunities. I spent more time with my friends. I reconnected with someone very special to me, and started a relationship with him. I met new people and tried new things. I'm close to paying off all my student loans. I'm learning new things by taking online courses. I feel more confident and satisfied with my personal style than I ever have before. I'm spending my spare time working on an upcoming fashion project.
Life isn't perfect, but it's not meant to be. It's meant to challenge you and break you down so that you can build yourself back up to see the beauty of it all.
Although my year had its ups and downs, I reached many milestones and realized everything has a purpose towards the better. Many people consider 2016 to be a pretty bad year. It was punctuated by violence, division and loss. However, with every shade of darkness comes a glimmer of light. Even in the bleakest depths of the shadows, there is hope - you just have to find it and follow it. Don't forget the happiness of the year. Don't forget the kindness, the successes, and the love. 2017 is a chance for us to pull ourselves, and each other, back up and towards that glimmer of light.
Happy New Year, everyone.
My year started off with heartbreak. But in the process of learning how much the heart can ache, I discovered the love of my closest friends. I experienced spiritual growth and embraced independence. Yet, just when I felt stronger, I got held down again by the difficulty of finding a job in the depressed economy. Having a career has been my driving force for the past 10 years, and I felt distressingly lost in those months I kept struggling to stand out in the job market. I took reprieve from it all when I went on a family trip to celebrate my official graduation from university. Upon my return, things turned around immediately. I was offered a position that suited the education and experience I had. My family and I moved to a new condo downtown. I began volunteering for local fashion and entertainment opportunities. I spent more time with my friends. I reconnected with someone very special to me, and started a relationship with him. I met new people and tried new things. I'm close to paying off all my student loans. I'm learning new things by taking online courses. I feel more confident and satisfied with my personal style than I ever have before. I'm spending my spare time working on an upcoming fashion project.
Life isn't perfect, but it's not meant to be. It's meant to challenge you and break you down so that you can build yourself back up to see the beauty of it all.
Although my year had its ups and downs, I reached many milestones and realized everything has a purpose towards the better. Many people consider 2016 to be a pretty bad year. It was punctuated by violence, division and loss. However, with every shade of darkness comes a glimmer of light. Even in the bleakest depths of the shadows, there is hope - you just have to find it and follow it. Don't forget the happiness of the year. Don't forget the kindness, the successes, and the love. 2017 is a chance for us to pull ourselves, and each other, back up and towards that glimmer of light.
Happy New Year, everyone.
