It’s that time of year where everyone gets a little frantic, emotional (whether they choose to admit it or not), happy, excited, and nervous all at the same time.

The holidays are in their peak moment and you don’t know what day it is, and quite frankly you don’t care. This is your last moment, living, basking, and breathing in 2017. For most lucky enough to have the full holiday off – it’s an opportunity to reflect on the year, the person you grew into, among binge eating way too many desserts at one of many Christmas or holiday get-togethers (but that’s another conversation).

For me, New Years has always been a sentimental moment and I’ve never been able to quite pinpoint or trace a definite reason as to why. Am I the only one like this? I figure not but sometimes it feels like I am. I’ve come to grow into the answer that to me the coming of a new year is significant of a new beginning. Yes, of course it is in the literal sense, but mentally and spiritually it’s a new beginning. I’d say from the moment my parents were no longer together is when New Years began to tug a string at my heart. The coming of a New Year meant a new fresh start, out with the old sorrows and a chance at a new beginning that I could control, shape, mould, and inspire to achieve. Since the world around us is uncontrollable, the opportunity for a beginning I could create would mean more than words can describe. It’s crazy to think what happens to you at a young age will transcend time and continue to affect you as an adult. But, how we recognize and learn to grow from it is what’s most important.

2017 was a very exciting year for me! I grew professionally, I launched this blog, I did a TV segment about my weight loss story, I laughed, I cried, I travelled, I made memories, I met new people, made new friends and strengthened old ones. I made peace with my heart, mind and a relationship from the past, I ate, I drank, I experienced new things for the first time, I challenged myself, and I rewarded myself. I learned a lot of lessons, some the easy way and some the hard way. Not to mention I was also featured in a city-wide ad campaign for First Canadian Place with poster ads and videos across the TTC...um what!? Looking back, scrolling through my iPhone camera roll, I’m exposed to glimpses into all that the year offered and I can’t help but smile and think how lucky I am to experience all of this and more importantly the people I get to surround myself with through it all.

In 2018, I want to experience more of what 2017 offered but on another level. I want to laugh more, experience more, love more, travel more, eat more (not in terms of quantity, but quality, lol), meet more people, make new friends, continue growing professionally, and continuing to share my life, interests, story, and more with you on here. I want to try something new for the first time, I want to take chances, I want to succeed and I want to fail so I can learn, I want to visit a new country/city, and spend lots of time with those I love, keep close, and call family and friends. Here’s to making it happen!

Originally writing this post it was the intention to share my New Years resolutions with you, but what I love so much about writing is what you will discover with what results at the end. If you’ve made it here, I hope you’ve enjoyed a glimpse into my little world, and if you’ve ever felt the same please share!

What are you setting as your goals, hopes and dreams for the new year? Whatever they may be, manifest them and watch them come to life!

Wishing you a Happy New Year and nothing but well wishes for 2018!

Cheers!!!

- Rob [@RobLosch]