2023 is underway, which feels odd because 2022 was the strangest year for me. I know I’m not alone in that sentiment, but it’s hard to move forward without getting some closure on what has been.
A few particulars:
Last year was my worst for writing, as evidenced by the large gaps on this site. While I was still mildly sitting at the keyboard, it was the first year I didn’t finish a personal project.
It was also my worst for reading, having read less than half the usual number of books that I normally do.
As for my physical health… well… I’m already outfitting my closet with pants the next size up and I’ve felt like I’ve spent the year running on fumes.
However, in stark contrast, this has also been the best year for my mental health. While it certainly wasn’t sunshine and roses, the many systems and people in my life have been incredible supports in making that happen.
My relationship with my family, especially my wife, have grown stronger.
I’ve built a tighter bond with a close group of friends—those I can be open with and depend on. They have not only been fun to connect with, but also crucial to lean on.
My teaching career has finally hit a point that I’ve been longing for since starting this journey thirteen years ago. And while things are great, there’s more on the horizon.
Most importantly, I’ve learned to relax. Not completely, but quite a bit. This has been big because while I (try to) project a relaxed composure, my internal functioning is constantly anxious and unsettled. Always worried.
If I had to put a label on it, 2022 was the year of extremes. There were extreme highs and extreme lows—all residual from the previous years we’ve had. It’s like two years of dealing with incredible uncertainty and changing expectations finally caught up and we’re all just tired and numb.
Going forward is not going to be smooth, especially with the world changing (in all aspects) at an accelerating rate. While it’s good to look back at where we’ve been, I think this year is going to be about where we want to go and how we can lay the foundation to get there.
And the first place I want to go…
is to bed.
It’s time to finally get some rest again.
Cheers to 2023. May it be a moderate one that will get me back on track again.