2015 started off in the most dreadful way possible as I spent a good part of the first couple months pulling myself out of the rut. I’m thankful for friends who stuck by me during these dark moments as I’d have crumbled without their support and listening ears. I needed time alone too, so I whisked myself off to the UK for some Eat, Pray, Lovesque spiritual healing. It was therapeutic and lifting to stroll along the Thames River and taking it all in.

In the midst of this all, I also underwent a quarter-life crisis. It was the first time I seriously contemplated leaving my current position. I guess along the way, I got a little jaded and disillusioned with what I was doing. Nevertheless, it’s a confluence of factors that kickstarted this train of thought and with the passing of time, it became all the more apparent that perhaps that time is not too far in the distance.

To round off the year, I took an impromptu trip to Japan where I saw how human touch and efficiency can co-exist, how challenging it was travelling with another in tow, and how autumn can be so breathtakingly beautiful. More importantly though, it changed my perspective of travelling – I realized it’s much more than taking in the sights and sounds; it’s also about the people you meet enriching the whole experience.

2015 has been a year of highs and lows but c’est la vie. There’s no going back to right the wrongs, so I just gotta pick up the lessons and run with it. For the good memories, I’m sure 2016 is going to be just as exciting with a few plans already in the pipeline. You’ve been good, 2015, but 2016 is gonna be much better.