Calabrisella Mia

The year is coming to an end. The end of 2019 is a little different, not only because it’s closing the book on a year but also marking the end of a decade. It also marks the end of one of the most difficult years I’ve had since moving abroad, almost a decade ago!

Like every year, I like to take a moment and reflect on what I’ve been through, what I’ve accomplished, and what I want to change going forward.

I had a lot of hopes and dreams for 2019. Going into 2019, I had a very positive attitude. I was experiencing one of the best times of my life and felt like everything was finally aligning.

However, 2019 had other plans for me. And I was challenged on so many levels. But I’m here at the end of the year still hopeful and determined that this year was part of a greater path, part of a journey that needs to happen to prepare me for the wonders that I know are ahead for me.

Our lives are constantly teaching us something, and it’s essential to take some time to reflect on all of life’s twists and turns and find the good that came out of it. It’s not always easy but there is always something positive we can take away from any situation.

So, what has this year taught me?

Strength

Life is constantly testing our strength, be it physical or mental. In January, I received some news regarding my health that initially gave me quite a scare. It set in motion a year full of tests, what if thoughts, and a therapy that hasn’t been easy on me physically, mentally and financially. There are certain things in life we can’t choose. We need to be strong enough to accept these situations and do everything in our power to overcome these difficult times. I’m so grateful that it isn’t something more serious and I am optimistic that I will be able to leave this all in the past. Once this is all finally over and done with, I know I’ll be stronger than ever because of it, ready to do all the things in 2020 that had to be temporarily put on the sideline.

Priority

There are so many things that contribute to our life. As a result, we sometimes put certain things above others that aren’t necessarily good for us in the bigger scheme. For example, I find great joy in helping others and I will do anything and everything I can to help people accomplish their dreams. However, this sometimes comes at the cost of neglecting my own wants and dreams. It is so easy to forget that we have to make ourselves a priority too! This is a lesson that hasn’t been easier for me to learn, and I’m still working on it. I’ve begun reorganizing my priorities and putting myself back on the top of the list. One of the easiest ways I’ve found to get back to me is by refocusing and building on my yoga and meditation practices. They continue to be important elements of my well-being.

Love

Love in all its forms is essential to our well-being. We need to love and be loved. I’m so blessed to have close friends and family who have embraced me and made me feel loved and cherished. They have been there for me, not just during the beautiful moments, but also the dark and scary ones! I’ve been let down and hurt by people I care deeply about. But I refuse to let it make my heart cold. I wear my heart on my sleeve and love deeply. And even though it opens me up to pain, I think that loving someone whether it’s for a short time or a lifetime, is a big part of what life is all about.

So, am I where I’d like to be? I guess the answer is, are we ever? Life is constantly evolving, transforming, it’s an unending work in progress. We are always finding ourselves up against new obstacles to overcome, new adventures to experience and new paths to choose. That is the miracle of life, that it is always in motion, always bringing us to the next moment.

I’m getting ready for this new year by regrouping, refocusing and reaffirming. I’m looking forward to trying new things on this blog in the new year. I’ve already started to dip my toes into video editing. Check out this short video of the Christmas markets in Cosenza. I really want to explore this new form of creative expression, so it would mean so much if you’d subscribe to my channel!

It’s time to say goodbye to this year, and the end of a decade. I hope you take a moment to reflect and start the new year off on a fresh and positive note.

Are you following me on social media? Join me as I try and make 2020 one of the best years ever! You can keep up with my daily life and musings over on the Calabrisella Mia Facebook Page and Instagram!

Happy New Year!