Being One With 2023

Dec 14

Reflections on 2023 – 365 days, 52 weeks, 12 months, 8,760 hours and 525,600 minutes. Not sequential I know, but SO WHAT???

This year, my friend and I created a 23 for 23 list – 23 things we wanted to do or accomplish in 2023. This is not a list of 23 resolutions but rather a list of fun or aspirational things.

Happy to report – most of the list was realized. Plus, many more gems that were not planned or anticipated. It is the unplanned that often are the most incredible. You never know – what they mean, will bring, or how they surprise you. Accept and embrace the unexpected.

People – were a prominent theme. Some people passed away who meant a lot to me and had a very positive impact on my life. For some people, the interaction was brief or short-term but meaningful, nonetheless. Some people were a new introduction and became the beginning of a new friendship. Some people left my life in 2023 that had been in my life for years. Regardless of the status of the relationship or interaction, 2023 was richer for it. This year, I had the incredible privilege of bringing together old and new friends for a Remarkable Women dinner – what a joy to have this group of friends together in one place and the opportunity for these friends to meet each other. Each of them has a very special place in my heart – you know who you are. Plus, the Remarkable Women playlist which each person contributed 5 songs - is amazing. Just saying 😊.

Family – what a year for my clan. My Dad moved and had a milestone birthday. My daughter finished her chemo, my other daughter enjoyed the last year of her 20s decade and wrapped up some personal outstanding items, My grandson had so many firsts and travelled internationally, My son-in-law grew an amazing business, and saw my sister (even got to be roommates for a couple of weeks) more times this year than we ever have since she moved to OZ. My brother, sister-in-law, nephews, and niece showed up over and over again for me while always making me laugh and enjoying the time spent together. 2023 was my mother's 25th anniversary since her death – I do feel sad sometimes that she is not here to enjoy all that life has to offer but her early death serves as a reminder to me – to live every day (minute, hour) like it is your last. Extended family – we made the time to connect and enjoy what being in a loving, a bit quirky, and connected family means.

Music – originally the intent was to attend 23 live shows. However, this summer I went to a music festival every weekend (except one in Salmon Arm due to smoke). On average, I went to a live show every week. Throughout the year, I saw over 75 artists perform live. My 2023 playlist (and other songs and playlists), I listened to for over 40,000 minutes which equates to almost a month of music. One of the things I appreciate and love about live music is the friends you attend with (mine are always game no matter what regardless of whether they know the artist or not), new artists introduced, and generally everyone is happy when attending a concert especially when outside in the sunshine. This year, I saw Nick Lowe (who has been on my bucket list for decades), was introduced to Kameron Marlowe, saw The Chicks with my daughters, and attended the Windy City Smokeout (the BBQ and country were incredible plus Chicago – one of my new fav cities), and returning to Edmonton Folk Fest after a COVID hiatus, are some highlights.

Health – I had some setbacks, but as with anything, it allowed me an opportunity to learn and explore. We need these humbling experiences to allow us to strengthen our resilience. I needed to take a 7-month break from spinning due to a knee injury, which was hard, and I am still trying to get back to my routine. But alas, hot flashes and other menopause “gifts” are a thing of the past – thank you HRT. (Why did I postpone for so long?)

My comfort zone and waistline expanded. Discovered and tried new things. Most importantly, I became comfortable with areas I didn’t want or need to change. Travel, lots of work change, my incredible work team (so fortunate to work with some of the most amazing human beings), friends, family, music, adventure, laughter, passion, joy, dark/light days, entertainment, amazing cuisine and wine, a good friend kicked my butt on a thing I was procrastinating on, decisions to embrace and to let go of, bucket list items checked off – some not – so bring on 2024!

I will develop my 24 for 24 lists early next year.

What will be on your 24 for 24 list? What will you plan for 2024 and what openness will you allow to see what occurs in the year to come?

What a year! Every year brings its gifts, some beautifully wrapped and others less so. No rainbows without rain. I would not have it any other way.

Much gratitude – 2023 ROCKED!!!!