As 2018 comes to a close I think it is important for us to reflect on what this year has been like.

I know that in my own life, it has been a whirlwind of events that have led me to here.

It is amazing what a difference one year can make in a person’s life.

Going from a journalist in northeast Alabama that somehow won an Alabama Press Association award and ended up as the editor for The Selma Times-Journal has this year flying by for me.

The nation has experienced hardships from shootings to hurricanes.

The nation also has experienced movements such as the March for Our Lives.

Locally, we have seen many changes in our own city and county including welcoming a new state senator, Malika Sanders-Fortier, and remembering the 35 years of service that her father, Hank, performed in the same office.

Our school systems are changing as well with a new county school board member, and in the Selma City School System, Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams and the school board are about to possibly make serious changes with the closing of schools.

There have been hardships in our community. Multiple shootings this year have left numerous families and friends without their loved ones.

A lot of mentors that I have encouraged me to not look at time in calendar years. I however often use this time to reflect on what I have learned this year.

What have you learned this year?

How have you grown?

I can also say that there are a lot of things that I’m not taking into 2019 with me.

Everything that is negative and holding me back from achieving what I want to do with my life and career is things that I want to let go of in 2018.

We are never done growing as individuals, and we should never accept our lives as they are now. Anything can be changed with hard work and effort.

Take this time as 2018 comes to an end in the next few days and set goals for the coming year.

This is a time for change and renewal.

A clean slate that the new year brings is something to take advantage of.

We always say “this year is going to be our year.”

How many times does that actually happen?

How many times does the year actually become our year?

Stick to your plans, stay disciplined and make things happen in 2019.

Happy (early) New Year.