We have been planning this post for the last couple of months – an adieu to the year that has passed, with a few witty observations and quips about what each of us has learnt this past year. But let’s be honest: 2016 didn’t quite turn into the year everybody was expecting it to be! So instead of those 16 individual things, we narrowed it down to a short narrative each. And 16 of our favourite photos from this year – photos that remind us how fortunate we both are for what we have experienced, lived and loved in 2016!
Sam: 2016 has really been about one thing for me – between finding out I was pregnant, being pregnant and giving birth to Jackson, this small human dominated my world this year. I never believed in “love at first sight” until the 15th of September this year; the moment I first laid eyes on a 3kg-mottled purple newborn was the moment I experienced such a surge of the deepest, most beautiful love I could have ever imagined. It’s hard to describe how intense the emotion was that day, and how immediate the want to love and protect him became. And somehow, between all the other negative, or disappointing things people around me have experienced this year, that moment overrides everything and has left me grateful for the year that has passed!
16 best pics of 2016:
Ilaria: this year has been the biggest whirlwind of emotions and experiences, and when 1 Jan 2016 came, I would never have dreamed of where I would be sitting a year later. If there is an overriding theme for my 2016 year, it has been about taking risks and pushing beyond what I thought I was capable of doing. I left my full time, corporate job in finance to take a chance at my own business; to take a chance at something I didn’t study, didn’t practice, didn’t fully understand but something that DID excite me. I’ve shed tears of joy, anxiety, excitement, fear, sadness but most of all gratitude. I chopped all my hair off and loved it. I spent my savings on a very fancy computer. I sustained a toe injury that only affects long jumpers (I mean wtf?!) that made me realise exercise is a prize not a punishment. I FINALLY understood how valuable my time is, and what it is worth. I didn’t sink. I swam. And I continue to swim in this very chaotic, confusing but exciting pool of life.
There is a quote from a book (The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared) that I keep going back to, because it seems to echo my current thoughts:
“Once you’ve reached a certain age, it is easier to sense when everything feels exactly right.”
2016 pushed me but made me stronger. Things feel like they are exactly where they are meant to be, and I can’t wait to see what 2017 holds.
16 best pics of 2016:
To all our readers, thank you again for the support this year. We wish you and your loved ones the most magical festive season, and hopefully, a little well-earned break during this period! We will be back in the new year, but will remain active on our social media platforms if you want to check out what we are up to!
Merry Christmas!
Frank
December 23, 2016 at 11:15 am (4 years ago)Great stuff- from both of you.
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