Looking Back On 2023

I’m grateful for all I’ve learned and experienced in 2023. Today I’m using Emily P Freeman’s 10 questions for looking back on the year.

# 1 What worked?

• Choosing ‘heal’ as my word of the year and delving deeper into my need to heal emotionally.
• Learning to be more mindful about my choices.
• Spending more time on reflection.
• Working on monthly themes for my word of the year and sharing them regularly here.
• Completing a 66-Day challenge. This is the first time I’ve successfully completed a blogging challenge within the time frame. Yes, there were starts and stops, but here I am on Day 66 with the challenge complete.
• Bullet journaling – I really enjoyed this practice this year.
• Our investment in the community dogs and our fight for justice took a positive turn.
• I found myself being more grateful for all I have.

#2 What didn’t work?

• My need to pay closer attention to my health – this includes regular exercise and checkups.
• I went down rabbit holes when searching for information and sometimes wasted time on meaningless activities.
• Once again, I allowed myself to be taken advantage of and learned the hard way about being too generous with my time and money with some people.
• I sometimes gave into stress and didn’t rest enough.
• Allowing some members of my family to hurt me – and treat me with disrespect.

# 3 What do I need more of next year?

I’ve listed this out in my post the other day, but peace, rest, exercise and new learning are what I need more of.

Instead of asking,
“Have I worked hard enough to deserve rest?”
I’ve started asking,
“Have I rested enough to do my most loving, meaningful work?”

Nicola Jane Hobbs  

#4 What was the loneliest part?

The day I felt the lonliest was when I waited outside the operation theatre while José underwent a surgery. There were good people who had offered to come and be with me, but I didnt’ want to put them out. The loneliness was more an anticipated feeling – when I wondered what I’d do if things went wrong.

#5 When did I feel most like myself?

When I was writing my Morning Pages and reading Scripture as part of my morning routine.

#6 In what areas did my confidence grow?

• In 2023, I managed to create new connections and revive old ones. I pushed myself to meet people and go out a lot more.
• I was able to make better choices for myself and my significant others.

#7 Who or what have I learned the most from?

• My husband and his attitude and consistency of thought.
• Some of the books I read – most of which I’ve been sharing about on my blog.
• Friends who by their courage, creativity and consistency have inspired me to be bolder, create more.

#8 What were my favourite yeses?

• Writing and blogging more.
• Taking over the Hyderabad chapter of the Silent Book Club.

#9 What were my surest nos?

• Cutting myself off from family drama and toxicity.
• Not compromising on doing what’s right and succumbing to pressure.

# 10 What’s one thing I know for sure?

That I must stick to my principles – faith, love and kindness, authenticity, gratitude and justice.

Above all this is what 2023 reminded me:

“You don’t have to hold it all together. You are held by grace.”

– Kaitlyn Bouchillon

This is Day 66  of My 66-day Journey of Healing Through Writing and Sharing.