2018 – A Year in Review

Reflecting is something that can be both, beneficial and detrimental. Such is life I suppose, yet a younger version of myself would argue for constantly calculating things that are said and done and how to strive to be better. 

I think age plays a big part in helping with gaining a better perspective on things as a whole. What 20-year-old David couldn’t understand, growth comes with much more than just dwelling on things; it comes with letting things go and striving to improve.

Last year I made a promise to myself to set goals and look at the progress I made. I think in our society at large, improvement is something we all pine for, especially at the start of the new year. This weird fantasy about being a better version of ourselves.

 While again, goals are important, I’d like to think about what happens within a year. Life is so much more precious than improving and I would argue that true improvement comes from the experiences we all share as human beings.

For instance, I could talk about the improvements I’ve made personally or the drawbacks I haven’t accomplished yet, again falling into the trap of “Next year I’ll be better because of X, Y, and Z”.

Does that really help anything?

Is self-reflection a fool’s game at best?

The older I get, the more memories with loved ones matter the most. This year I have experienced so many wonderful things. Dinners with family, board games with friends, I’ve attended more beautiful weddings, as well as got married myself. I have grown as a person, artist, husband, friend, and learner. I feel content with how fortunate I am with all the love and friendships I have. 

If you are reading this, please know that chances are, I hold you in my heart as a friend and with that sentiment, I will always do everything I can to give you as much joy as you give me.

Unfortunately, I am not a psychic, so I don’t know what changes I will encounter this new year, but I will love with more vigor than the world has ever known.