This year was the year of Pangea for me.

There were so many moving pieces in my life all moving around at the same time, I hardly knew where to place them all. I met my girlfriend and I fell for her harder than I ever have for anyone, I started a new full time job, and then switched again to my current full time job in a level 1 trauma center SICU, and the war rages on with being back in school pursuing Nursing amidst an ongoing pandemic. A lot to take in, as you can see.

This year was also the year of the wishing well for me; of pennies to spare, wishing and praying things would be okay, for wearing my heart on my sleeve. I wished for so much this year, and some things came true and some did not. Some wishes were more easily lost than others. I’ll carry those wishes with me into the next year, ever praying that life might change its mind

This year was the year that sadness came back to visit.

A year ago, my grandmother passed away from the very thing that haunts us healthcare workers every single day. COVID took so much from us all, and for me, it took someone very special to me. It took away a person, that no matter what I did or didn’t do, she always loved me and never made me forget it. She gave the best hugs, and always made you feel like you were the most important person in the world to her. She made you feel like you were always worth looking at. Sometimes I look in the mirror and I try to manifest it now that she’s gone, but it’s difficult.

This year was a teacher, and I the student.

It taught me about myself; how to be a better person, partner, friend, and provider. I’m 27, and I still have much to learn. I appreciate everyone in my life who have helped me, taught me, and given me patience and understanding while I fumble around in the darkness of life. Just trying to make some semblance of a life for myself.

This year pushed boundaries.

This year has made me experience highs I’ve always dreamed about, and lows I knew only in my nightmares. It’s been the rollercoaster of a lifetime, both good and bad.

I wouldn’t trade this year for any of the 27 I’ve experienced in my life. From people I’ve met, to places I’ve seen, and things I’ve experienced, it’s still been my favorite year to date.

I challenge you all these next few days, to really reflect on your year. And not the normal “take a look back”, I mean really reflect. And take what you learned, good at bad, and take something away from this year. Make the year worth something.

Make each day, worth something. Be unapologetically yourself, grow each day, always look towards the light.

Much love to you all,

Abbey.