It's Time to End 2023

I needed a thirteenth month last year

As we cross off the first month of 2024, I’m finally getting to the post intended for the end of 2023. Between holiday travels, changes at work, and feeling my bones crying out for some extra rest, I needed another month to wrap up the year.

I haven’t posted anything here for a while—however, that isn’t to say I haven’t written anything I intended to share. Over the past few months, I have been writing and rewriting a post, never feeling it was ready to share. Every day there is more devastating news about what is happening to millions of innocent people, and no matter what I manage to write, it never seems to say what I want it to.

I’ll try not to keep that post withheld forever, but until then, I’m wrapping up the last year of life.

At the end of 2022, I asked myself four questions as I looked back on the year that was and the next one before me. I’ve decided to make a habit of that.

1. What are you most proud of from this year?
   A full year in Washington, DC—a full, expensive year
   Walking 375 miles
   Marching in the largest Free Palestine rally in US history
   Celebrating two years with my love—and our last year of long-distance!
   

2. What are you most looking forward to in the next year?
   Introducing my parents to my partner.
   Saying goodbye to DC—and hello to somewhere new!
   Continuing to improve both my physical and mental health
   Meeting my new niece or nephew (who is due here any day!)
   

3. What surprised you most this year?
   How slow and painful healing can be
   What a difference physical therapy can make for chronic pain
   That I was able to keep a book club running for a whole year (credit to the other members)
   How much I loved Barbie
   

4. What word or intention are you setting for 2024?
   My word for 2023 was ‘flourish.’ There were times that I questioned if that was indeed the appropriate word; crying on the floor, doubting my ability to keep going, and settling for a string cheese rather than preparing dinner didn’t feel like flourishing. But truly, the hard days were the minority, and I’m proud of myself for each day. This year I had to be there for myself. I was patient with myself and listened to what I needed. With gratitude to friends and loved ones who were there for me, too (and for many letters from my niblings), I can see the flourishing.
   
   For 2024, I’ve decided the word I’m setting is…

   

   bliss

   /blis/

   noun

   perfect happiness; great joy.
   
   
   Just as every day of 2023 didn’t feel like flourishing, I know that I won’t describe every day of 2024 as “blissful.” I do, however, know that there is an abundance of bliss in store for this year. I want to be intentional to recognize and have gratitude for the moments that are on their way—moments I’ve been waiting for for so very long.

If you’d like to share your answers, please do so in the comments! I’d love to read them.