I’m not really sure where 2017 went for me. When I look back it almost seems as if I were an apparition – a reflection in the mirror – that watched the year speed by like the Shinkansen in Japan. Between the blur of true news, fake news, tumultuous White House shenanigans, and yet another mass shooting, I don’t think that there was a dull moment throughout the year.
What boggled my mind really was the fact that when I tried to put pen to paper or fingers to keys, nothing came to mind.
Not one thing.
I had no inspiration for creativity, no inspirational thoughts that were incessant enough to have me scrambling for my keyboard and this blog – this creative space – to let me unleash the relentless screaming in my mind. Everything was curiously silent. I didn’t know what it meant then, I still don’t know what it meant now, but I do respect it. That lull lasted almost the full year, for whatever reason. I guess I just need a break. Why? I have no clue, but it what it is.
Instead what I did was travel. I traveled with friends, with family, and through long car rides to and from work, I traveled alone with just me, my thoughts, and music. In the year 2017, I think I just was. I had fantastic experiences last year, and for the first time in a while I truly felt that I had lived.
No two experiences are ever alike and through each one I felt as if I achieved something; no matter how minute, it was an achievement.
In Peru, I hiked and reached a 4200 meter summit and walked amongst the ruins of Machu Picchu.
In California, I danced and sang the weekend away at BottleRock Music Festival.
In London, I was awed and inspired by the last Adele concert in Wembley stadium (rumor has it!).
In India, I reflected on many things in Rishikesh, and joyfully attended a friend’s wedding in Udaipur.
And on a cruise ship in the Caribbean I wound down my year and ended it with calm thoughts and an excitement for new beginnings.
Did I write last year you ask? I did – finally – during NaNoWriMo I was able to get out a story that had been fermenting for a while. A quick burst of inspiration, and a quick sprint to the finish to get it done, but it was completed. I was satisfied and surprisingly the urge to write that had failed me so many times over 2017 was alive and well by the time the year ended.
So here I am now, sitting in my room, on my bed, writing for the first time in 2018. A month into the new year I’m still excited, and I can’t wait for what’s coming.
And maybe, just maybe more writing will be done this year, but I’ll just have to wait and see where my mind takes me – this time around. 😉
Until Next Time…
