Montreal, 2007
Five years. What does that number mean to you? I became very conscious of that number when we travelled to Montreal a few weeks ago, exactly five years after our first visit to the city. My last five years have been awesome and monumental. I got engaged. I got married. I bought a house. I acquired two dogs. I made friends, I lost friends. I got to know myself better than ever before. I laughed a lot and cried a little. I’ve been through a few jobs, and I’ve learned what I like to do. I went from a flip phone to an iPhone. I’ve been brunette, blonde, and brunette again. I’ve learned how to snowboard and it has become a big part of my life. The point is, SO much can happen in five years, and sometimes time passes by without us even realizing that such a tremendous amount of time has gone by and significant things have occurred.
Montreal, 2012
To put this into perspective, five years ago:
- The United States recession had not quite begun.
- The most popular cell phones included the LG Chocolate and the Motorola RAZR. (The iPhone was unveiled on Jan. 9, 2007)
- President Bush was still in office
- Twighlight, the movie, had not yet been released
- The top 5 pop albums were: 1) Alicia Keys, As I Am, 2) Fall Out Boy, Infinitely on High, 3) Kanye West, Graduation, 4) Kelly Clarkson, My December, 5) Amy Winehouse, Back to Black
- Turbans were a trend. For a minute.
- Facebook had not yet (entirely) taken over the world
On the other hand, many things remain the same. Most of the “recently dialed” contacts in my phone are the same as they were five years ago. My parent’s dog is still a (cute) grouch, just with more white fur on his snout. We still hang out at the same bars and restaurants, and have many of the same habits. My husband forgot his gloves on the first trip to Montreal, and he did on this trip as well. Some things never change….
Take some time to think about your own journey through the last five years. Give thanks for the things that have changed, and those that have stayed the same. The ups, downs, curves and freefalls. It’s amazing to think where you were five years ago, and where you stand today. Here’s to hoping the next five are filled with lots of laughter, love, success and inspiration. Please share your thoughts and observations about the last five years below, or by emailing shiningsoulyoga@aol.com!
