There is nothing more relaxing than going on a Sunday drive around the North Shore. Passing the lake and catching a glimpse of all the decorated storefronts puts my mind at ease. Stopping to get a warm cup of hot chocolate also adds to the tranquility of the afternoon. But truly, the most comforting part of the drive is listening to “Carry On” by American indie band fun. It has become my new anthem, specifically, my anthem for 2019.

As the chorus from fun.’s hit song rings, “If you’re lost and alone or you’re sinking like a stone, carry on. May your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground, carry on,” I began to listen closer. There is something so genuine about those words. I felt as though my year had been put to paper through the lyrics of a song.

2019 was a complex year to say the least. In these 365 days, I was met with some of my greatest successes, as well as my largest downfalls. My classes became harder and my grades less settling. The days seemed to go by too fast, and come to think of it, I didn’t make time to accomplish my New Year’s resolutions. I made plans to journal every night; the entries stopped on January 15th. I agreed to finish my homework before 9 p.m., but in reality, I think I have developed even more procrastination habits. I hoped to use my phone less, but it is not as easy as it’s made out to be.

I want to acknowledge that among these times also came great experiences with friends and unforgettable trips; the most memorable of my life. Overall, there is a lot to take from 2019, but I’m not sure that I want to carry it all to 2020.

I came across many missteps this year. Whether academic or social, unintentional or careless, a multitude of occasions caused me to take a step back and reflect.

It happens to the best of us. We’re human. We make mistakes and learn from them. But there is no reason to carry those bad memories with us. And it’s all in the spirit of my favorite song.

“Carry On” tells you to leave the bad parts behind. There is a lot of good that will come from your life, but it would be naive to think it will all be a smooth ride.

You may have made mistakes this year.

You’ll make millions more in your lifetime.

You may have parted ways with a close friend.

It’s a natural happening.

You may have had an embarrassing moment on stage.

You, and the greater part of the world.

You may have offended someone.

It’s never too late to apologize.

The point is, don’t berate yourself. It’s all a part of life. But at some point there comes a time to leave it behind.

“I’ve closed enough windows to know you can never look back.” 2019 is coming to a close. In fact, a decade is coming to a close. Consider final exams your end to the year. Finish what you started this semester, end it on a good note, and then throw away the past. Let go of the baggage you’ve been carrying and enjoy your fresh start.

Say goodbye to 2019, and carry on.