We made it, everyone. It’s officially the last day of 2017 and everyone has mixed emotions about it. There are those who are expressing gratitude for an awesome year, while others just want it to end for being horrible to them.
The latter is a mix of various reasons: personal problems, career problems, and most of all, societal issues. It’s totally understandable considering that 2017 wasn’t a perfect year to begin with. Several celebrities were exposed for sexual harassment and misconduct; Marawi City was under Martial Law; Mocha Uson became a government official; and Carrie Fisher passed away.
And we’re just scratching the surface.
It’s only natural for people to wish that 2018 will be better. But then again, that’s what people wished for back in 2016 as well—the year when Rodrigo Duterte and Donald Trump won their respective elections, among other things. It’s like an unending cycle of wanting a great year ahead and then getting disappointed when something bad happens midway.
With two consecutive “bad years,” should we expect the worst for 2018? You know, so we won’t be let down.
That does sound like the best course of action, but we shouldn’t lose that hope we have for the upcoming year. If the past two years taught us something, it’s to confront things head-on. Imagine if victims didn’t come forward with their sexual abuse stories, or if people in general stayed silent on issues that affect everyone. We wouldn’t be able to pinpoint the problem and strive to find the solution.
Whether you had a good 2017 or not, don’t be afraid to welcome the new year, and all its possibilities—good and bad—with open arms. Also remember that the best journey is the one wherein we don’t know what’s lies ahead.
So brace yourself, 2018 is going to be a wild ride. Happy new year!
Art by Lara Intong
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