It's the end of a decade

Seems to me now

That the dreams we had before

Are all dead, nothing more

Than confetti on the floor

It's the end of a decade

In another ten years time

Who can say what we'll find

What lies waiting down the line

In the end of eighty-nine

(Happy New Year

by Abba)

As much as I love the holidays, I love the last few days before the end of the year. I love to reflect on the year that is ending and look forward to the year to come.

This year is extra special because it's also the end of a decade which reminds me of my favourite New Year's song I listen to every year. If you could travel back in time to 2009, what would "2009-you" be amazed to know happened in the 2010's?

Imagine it's the end of of 2029, what do you hope your life will be like then? If you like lists or resolutions, write down your hopes and dreams and store them somewhere special.

I wrote my dreams in this journal for the first time in January 1996.

Life is the music
that dances through our days,
our nights and our years.

It's interesting to see what I dreamed of then, to see the ones that happened and also how I feel about those that didn't. Am I disappointed? Do I still hope they happen? Using a journal also allows for future edits or additions.

Since 2005, I have made a playlist of my favourite songs every year. At the end of 2009, I made a list of my favourite songs of the decade (2000's). I am continuing that tradition by creating a playlist of my favourite songs of 2019 and the 2010's. If books or movies are more your thing, would you enjoy making a yearly list of your favourites?

I spent some time this week looking back at my photos from 2019. If you had asked me to tell you what I did all year, I wouldn't have thought of some amazing moments. Looking back at the photos reminded me of experiences I loved and want to remember.

What were your favourite moments of 2019? What experiences do you want to remember?

Some experiences are unforgettable. I won't forget breaking my arm, going on vacation, attending the Raptors NBA Championship parade or launching my Revive55 Project. What are some smaller moments that are worth remembering but could be forgotten?

I love the colours of the Caribbean Sea.

This is one of my favourite photos of the year:

Can you guess where it is? Some of you can but if I had seen this photo years ago, I wouldn't have guessed.

This is not a perfect photo, but it's a moment when I am reminded that I can see beautiful Lake Ontario colours a short drive from home. I didn't have much time to admire it on this fall day. I was with friends and we were going for a quick dinner by the beach before a movie. I want to remember this moment as a reminder to go next summer and truly enjoy Lake Ontario and the beach we have. I'm adding that to my New Years Resolutions.

Celebrate the past

Create a time capsule or best of lists of what 2019 or the 2010's were like for you.

Ideas include:

1. Favourite Photos and Videos
2. Stories or things that happened to you
3. Mementos or Purchases
4. Accomplishments or Celebrations
5. People you spent time with, you met or your favourite celebrities
6. Outings or Activities
7. Places like a country, city or place in your neighbourhood or in your house

If this seems overwhelming, you can just spend a bit some time remembering your favourite moments.

Did you start a Memories timeline? Take a few moments to add 2019 or 2010's events on it.

By looking at what you love from your past, you get clues of what you will love in the future.

Dream for your future

What kind of photos and videos do you love? What kind of outings and activities do you most enjoy?

How can you plan to create more moments that you'll love just as much in 2020?

By looking back at 2009, I was reminded that I was about to go to the Olympics in Vancouver for the Opening Ceremony and Men's Moguls - our first Olympic gold win on home soil. That trip is one of my highlights of the decade. Before we had children, we used to go on a yearly ski trip to Whistler. I have wanted to go back especially since they co-hosted the 2010 Olympics. As an Olympic host city, it would be even more special.

Since starting this post and doing my own reflection, I have booked a trip to return to Vancouver on the 10th anniversary of the Opening Ceremony and then to go to Whistler where I will see the Olympic rings and ski the Olympic downhill run.

If I am super lucky, one of the Olympic cauldrons will be lit while I'm there.

Sometimes, we need to reflect and to plan in order for our hopes and dreams to happen.