Bienvenidos, 2010. Adios, 2009.
As is ritual, here I write and reflect on the year. God, what a year. The general sentiment I feel about this year is that it was fast and full of growth. (Ironic as “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson plays in the background; thank you itunes.) I am sitting in Quito, Ecuador, in my 2nd decade of existence, and living in my 4th decade now. Holy cow how did I get here?
It’s hard for me to imagine that I’m already 20 years old, in the year 2010, a junior in college, and leaving Ecuador in 6 weeks. Time has flown by! Ok, enough existential crisis, onto the reflection.
I am growing up, and I can feel it. Yesterday I realized that I have finally hit that point where I think I’ve entered adulthood. It’s weird. I definitely don’t feel like a kid anymore. I feel young, but also grown up. It’s really weird.
In this upcoming year I see and expect even more of these growing up things to come. Returning from study abroad and being the juniors in spring quarter. Moving off campus for the first time. Turning 21. Not coming home and starting to stay on the mainland. Thinking about my SIP. Senior year of college. It’s all coming up. Big changes. Big things.
I feel confident in the person I am becoming. I am finding what I am passionate about, perhaps where I want to go with my life, but at the same time keeping everything open. I am filling my life with experiences and adventures, things I never would’ve imagined just 5 years ago. A week ago I was in Machu Picchu, a week from now I will be in the Amazon jungle. Next month I will be in the Galapagos. I am so so so incredibly blessed to be able to do so many things like this. I feel so lucky to have a family that supports my adventures and dreams. My family, who not only includes my parents and siblings, but also my extended family everywhere, and friends and everyone around me. I wish I could convey my gratitude to everyone for helping me in my journey through life. I am entering the adult realm, confident and happy, thanks to my world-wide support group.
Last night while watching the fireworks, I realize that I am so lucky to have a life where I feel love coming from all corners of the globe. From my island home in the middle of the pacific, to all parts of North America, to Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, everywhere. Lines of love crisscrossing oceans and continents, making it global.
With this love and support, I have found the courage to spread out into the world and begin to make my own mark. In just 5 years, we will be the new generation of adults entering society, being the changers and makers. I can’t wait to see where everyone goes and does. The potential of life is so great, it is only just beginning.
We are living in a time of change. To think that 10 years ago, it was the new millennium and the whole world waited in anticipation to see what it would bring. Time is coming and changing, and we are moving forward, preparing to become its driving force.
Even as I am looking forward, trying to see what is coming in the distant future, I cannot forget what came before. This is the first year that I haven’t come home for the holidays, and I realize how much I miss it. Going home grounds me and reminds me of my roots, one of the strongest foundations in my life. I cannot wait to go back to that and feel it again. I am realizing more and more how strongly I have been influenced by my past. Hawaii, my family, the Cove, Punahou, everything. I am who I am because of these elements, and proud of it. (haha, thank you itunes for now playing “I Miss You My Hawaii” by Na Leo.)
If I could have one thing for my Christmas/New Years wish, it would to be able to give every single one of those people a hug. To show all those people who have helped me in my life the gratitude that I feel for them. Thank you for bringing me through the years and through 2009 into 2010 and where I am today. So much aloha for everyone. Everyone.
Love, aloha, peace, and happiness to you, wherever you are in the world. I wish you the best 2010 and years to follow. Me ke aloha y amor, xoxo.
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ReplyDeleteIronic, because I am just realizing how un-grown-up I am, and how unprepared and terrified I am about whatever the hell comes after college. Also, I am determined to study abroad. Again. And I want adventures, but I know I have to go find them myself. I know that only I can make this new year fun and fabulous and memorable. So, ergo, I am taking a snowboarding class over Jan, even though it will hurt so, so much, and I will constantly be exhausted. Also, after finals are over, I intend on writing every day for the rest of Jan (that will only be about 2.5 weeks by that point, but whatever). And I don't want to spend so much time wasted on the internets, and I'm going to visit Keena and the end of Jan and I will try so, so hard not to be jealous of her new friends, or feel inferior or any such bullshit. And I will see you. If you are staying on the mainland this summer, that will most likely be easier, though I do have to get a job. Okay, as much as I don't want to, I really must study for finals now. Harumph. Luvluv!