2017 - a review

19. Dez. 2017
7 Min. Lesezeit

Now that the year 2017 is as good as over the time has come to reflect. Appreciate what the year had to offer. What was good.. what could have gone better? What should be done differently in 2018?

I found the below questions and believe that they might help reflect.

So let's go.

What one event, big or small, are you going to tell your grandchildren about?

Well there weren't any big events this year for me, such as concerts, galas, festivals, etc. But I believe that some of the travels, some places I've seen and some people I've met will be in my thoughts for a long time. Some things did happen in my private life that will be spoken about in a long time but these are events that do not belong here.

If you had to describe your 2017 in three words, what would they be?

Change, traveling, faith (?)

What new things did you discover about yourself?

I can be faithful, I should step out of my comfort zone more often, positivity is key.

What single achievement are you most proud of?

I don't think proud is the right word. But I'm happy that I managed to be more faithful and positive. Apart from that I can't think of a specific achievement.

What was the best news you received?

Keeping some parts of my private life out of this - I shockingly can't think of any really great news. A few small things come to mind.. but nothing really worth mentioning. Mainly being happy for other people for achieving things, finding love or similar things. Yet for myself, nothing really outstanding comes to mind.

What was your favorite place that you visited in 2017?

Oho, this is a good question. There have been so many places this year, so many countries, so many impressions. It's hard to pick a real favorite. First of all, I'm going to answer this question regarding the location solely - not about the people I've met or I was with, but only the happiness brought to me by being at a specific place for its beauty.

I think the top three (in any order) have to be the Kawasan Falls in Cebu (Philippines), the suspension bridge near Goris (Armenia) and Home (I know, this is about the people more than the location. But I just always feel good being home.

Which of your personal qualities turned out to be the most helpful this year?

Positivity

Who was your number one go-to person that you could always rely on?

There are a few people I was able to rely on. I can always count on old friends (yeah, some really are old).. and I got closer to other people who were there when I needed them. No matter whether they're old or new friends - I am truly grateful for the support and warmth.

Even just being able to say that there are several people that I can rely on makes me happy :)

Which new skills did you learn?

Is being positive a skill? Maybe. Apart from that I did not learn a lot - nothing worth mentioning.

What, or who, are you most thankful for?

Thankful.. I am thankful for the mentioned people who care for me and take care of me. As I mentioned in the 'random thoughts' section: "What joy would there be if we had no special bonds with friends and family? It is these relationships that make life meaningful." I am thankful for the people that are around me and make my life good. I am thankful for being able to travel as much as I do. I am thankful for all the little things that make life better. Sometimes the tiniest thing can make me really happy.

If someone wrote a book about your life in 2017, what kind of genre would it be? A comedy, love story, drama, film noir or something else?

Why would anyone do that? If anyone should write a book about me it should be myself. But really, it wouldn't be a drama.. and definitely not a love story. I have no idea what a film noir (black movie?) is.. I guess.. it would be.. a.. documentary with a hint of comedy?

What was the most important lesson you learnt in 2017?

I feel like I'm repeating my answers.. but again: positivity is key. Have some faith and your life can turn to the better.

Also it is sometimes necessary not to overthink and just step out of your comfort zone. That's what makes you feel alive.

What 5 people did you most enjoy spending time with?

- My family, especially my dad.

- My friends in Germany, especially David and Nico - like brothers to me

- My friends in Kuwait, especially Smiljka and Kevon

- Any one I travel with - for sharing amazing experiences (which mainly are my german friends..)

- People I meet while traveling (you really do get to know the nicest and most interesting people from all over the world) for making my experiences amazing.

What was your biggest break-through moment career-wise?

I can honestly say there was absolutely no break-through in my career. And I don't care :)

How did your relationship to your family evolve?

There was no big break-through or anything, just regular evolution.

What book or movie or music affected your life in a profound way?

Book: 'The Reason' by Lacey Sturm. This helped me being positive and having faith. Not faith in god but faith in a happy ending.

Movie: Well there are a few that come to mind because they triggered something in me, for example 'The Beach' for giving great advice on life (and traveling)..

Music: It didn't quite affect me.. but I discovered some bands that I really listened to a lot this year, such as Flyleaf, Lacy Sturm and Sabaton.

What was your favorite compliment that you received this year?

"I hope you feel better tomorrow and better things come your way, I don't know you for long at all but I do wish all the best for you as you really feel like one of the best people I ever met regardless of any bad sides you may have, with that being said please know that I rarely ever like people and I believe in first impressions."

What little things did you most enjoy during your day-to-day life?

Random acts of kindness. They restore my faith in humanity..

What cool things did you create this year?

..this blog? Some kick-ass vacation videos?

Was there anything you did for the very first time in your life this year?

I visited many places for the first time (Serbia, Slovenia, Macao, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Armenia, Georgia, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain). And probably quite a few other things.. nut as this blog is travel-related I'll keep it down to this.

What was your favorite moment spent with your friends?

Any time spent with real friends is worth cherishing. A definite favorite is torturing David a little on his 40th birthday.

What experience would you love to do all over again?

Oh dear god, so many. I would love to go canyoning in Cebu again, I would love to lie in my hammock in a national park in Serbia again, I would love to drive around shitty roads in Georgia again, I would love to re-meet all the people I've met and I would love to torture David on his birthday every year. So many more things... believe me..

What was the best gift you received?

...still to come. And I'm excited!

How did your overall outlook on life evolve?

In a positive way.

What was the funniest moment of your year, one that still makes it hard not to burst out laughing when you think about it?

I do remember lots of laughs.. but hardly ever the reason behind what initiated the laugh.. strange! I guess it was mainly random stuff and it just turned into big laughs because I was having a great time and was full of joy.

What purchase turned out to be the best decision ever?

Many many tickets for flights. The only thing worth mentioning apart from that is that I bought a drone recently and am hoping to being able to take really cool shots and videos of those amazing places soon!

What one thing would you do differently and why?

I don't like thinking about this.. that question only makes you regret stuff instead of cherishing what you've got.. which I am.

What do you deserve a pat on the back for?

For being who I am?

What activities made you lose track of time?

Writing these blogs, wandering around some random far-away places, vacation in general. But hey, I'm German. I hardly ever lose track of time.

What did you think about more than anything else?

My life, where to travel next, how to win the lottery without playing.

What topics did you most enjoy learning about?

Repeating myself again: positivity and faith

What new habits did you cultivate?

Can't quite think of any to be honest.. None that really stick.

What advice would you give your early-2017 self if you could?

Life's good. Have faith, stay positive and step the f* out of your comfort zone.

Did any parts of your self or your life do a complete 180 this year?

No.

What or who had the biggest positive impact on your life this year?

Who: Kevon and Sara for being the people they are and sharing their vibes.

What: Probably traveling and surrounding myself with positive and kind people.

What about 2018...?

What do you want the overarching theme for your 2018 to be?

My journey... to happiness?

What do you want to see, discover, explore?

Basically almost everything. The only thing that I really planned so far is a trip to Thailand and Laos in February and March 2018. I am really looking forward to that.

I want to see remote places, I want to see and learn about different cultures, I want to discover an even more positive side of myself, I want to explore the sh*t out of the world. Not just 2018 but for many years..

Who do you want to spend more time with in 2018?

Positive, kind and good people. I want to spend more time with the people I love because that's what makes me happy. And I'm sure I'll meet more of these kind of people next year..

What skills do you want to learn, improve or master?

I have not planned on learning or mastering any specific skills..

What do you want your everyday life to be like?

Happy and satisfied. And a bit more adventurous.

Which habits do you want to change, cultivate or get rid of?

I guess i could/should eat healthier... and I can stop worrying about stuff that hasn't even happened yet.

What do you want to achieve career-wise?

Frankly I am not a career-person. I am happy with where I am.

How do you want to remember the year 2018 when you look back on it 25 or 50 years from now?

I believe I will remember this whole time as a big mash-up. I won't be able to remember every place or person. I won't even remember when I was where, I might even have forgotten people and memories that seem to be unforgettable right now. As long as I look back at it as a happy time.. I'm good.

What is your number one goal for 2015?

Being happy.