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Goodbye 2023



New Years Day is my favorite holiday. I love to put up a new calendar and embrace the new year. I realize for many it is just another day. But, not for me it is an opportunity for a whole year to do new, exciting, and good things. For some reason January 1 breathes new life into me, filling me up with hope and anticipation of a great year ahead.

I am not sure if you are glad to see 2023 over, or if it was a year that you will look back on with fond memories. I am going to describe 2023 as an interesting year. The weather displayed such craziness at times. In December we had October. In October we had December. In May we had July. In July we had July heat like none other. The one constant thing throughout every month was the wind!

This picture was taken on Dec 7, 2023

This picture was taken Dec 8, 2023

2023 was the second year of retirement for me. I must admit there were days I would think, really this is it. There were other days when I felt blessed and I reminded myself of how wonderful being retired is. I have come to realize; I couldn't work even if I wanted to. I am so glad I am not in charge of another person's life. My endurance and concentration aren't there anymore, and I wonder how people my age do it. I remind myself, retirement is a rite of passage, for 45 years I got up and went to work. I knew nothing but doing just that, and now it is my time to do whatever I want with my days.

I am really happy how my year has ended. I have completed some long-term goals, and I have decided to end the year on a positive note. We can't change anything that has happened so this is the day to let it go.

I have decided that I am not going to make resolutions, but I am going to live out some of my dreams in 2024. I have been a devoted resolution person, not sure why because I honestly suck at them. So, this year I have decided to change it up. In 2024 the line that is going to guide me is, "know what you are capable of, never underestimate yourself". I know everyone that is reading this is capable of just about anything. Just put your head down and say, "I can do this". 

As the end of another year is closing in on us, I thought this jar may be a helpful project if you need to be reminded of the great life you have. If you are that type of family that does reflection, this may be a the perfect family project. If I were still teaching, I would have done this with my student groups. Somehow, the bad seems to take front and center, and the good can get lost. One thing that can't be taken from you is the good in your life. Let's remember that!!! 

As you move into a new year, and you may be struggling, grab onto something simple. Maybe one of these lines will help you to start the new year with hope. One of the following statements may become your mantra or you can develop your own. Keep it simple, just have a line you will repeat in your head. Draw on it when you need it. Let 2024 be your year for your own reason.   

Nurture Someone

Ignite your passions

Don't let fear hold you back

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 31, 2023 at 6:41 PM

    A nice read as I get ready for bed and wake up to a New year !

    ReplyDelete

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