Sarah Warsi

In just a few short hours, we will be welcoming not only a new year, but a new decade. This phrase has become quite cliched but it’s amazing how quickly time has passed. 2010 doesn’t seem all that long ago, but at the same time, when I reflect on the version of myself back then, it’s definitely like two completely different people.

This past decade has certainly been one of growth and realizations. Lots of ups and downs, twists and turns, but in the end, here I am, still whole, and in one piece, and in a better place. The last few years has been about reconnecting with old friends and feeling as if no time had ever passed. It’s been about making new connections and later realizing that some of those connections, while they had purpose at the time, were only meant to be temporary. I strongly believe that each and every interaction you have with anyone in your life helps shape who you are to some degree so I don’t have any regrets about the people that have come and gone in my life. Each interaction has helped build my story.

When I reflect on this past year, the key takeaways that come from it are the continued realization of how important it is to stay true to yourself in a world that is constantly trying to mold you into something else. If there is any chance of those around you adapting and accepting you for who you are, then that will only happen by your insistency on just being you.

Staying true to yourself also shows your level of self-respect. People will only view you as a doormat if you let them. Once you make it clear that your genuine kindness will not be taken for granted, that’s when things begin to change for the better. I’ve always stuck by the mantra that you don’t have to like everyone you come across, but that never means you get to disrespect them. Anyone that exercises that mentality is basically showing a reflection of themselves. Going through these experiences has also helped me filter out the people I would welcome a continued interaction with and those that I may want to say goodbye to in 2019.

One notable event that took place this year was, of course, the Toronto Raptors winning the NBA Championship for the first time ever – certainly a milestone not to be forgotten anytime soon.

And for me personally, another memorable moment that took place earlier this year was attending the Young and the Restless High Tea event in Toronto and having the delightful pleasure of meeting some of my favourite cast members – something I’m still a little gaga over. 🙂

I think that what you hope to get out of a new year is really up to you, your perception and the choices you choose to make. It’s unfortunate, but crime and violence will not stop once the calendar turns to January 1. This year, the level of crime in Toronto has felt especially high. I have no idea why, but seemingly on a daily basis there has been a report of a shooting here or some other catastrophe there. We can’t control the actions of others but what we can control is our ability to not let the negativity affect our personal peace and happiness.

This is my motto for the next 10 years and onwards. We need to create and sustain our own inner peace in order to continue to foster lasting happiness. It’s not a resolution, it’s a lifelong journey.

Here’s to a happy and peaceful 2020.