2022 Year in Review
As the adage goes, “there is nothing new under the sun.” That saying reigns true as relates to many things, including the lessons we learn in life. As we’re kicking off 2023, I can’t help but reflect on all the lessons I learned in 2022. I’ve learned many of them before, but sometimes we need gentle reminders. I’m hoping that as I progress through this year, I will be able to look back on this post, and that it will serve as such.
Grief
Jumping right into this first topic because it has been the most impactful to date. Grief tests the limits of your strength. The world doesn’t stop because you’ve experienced loss, the world does not care that you’ve experienced loss. The reality of this can feel harsh, especially when you’re going through it. But you have to keep going.
If you feel like you should call, then call.
I can’t tell you how many times someone will cross my mind and I’ll have the thought that I need to check on them. I’ve been getting better at honoring this feeling and reaching out in the past few years, but there are also times where I completely bypass the thought. You have to let the people in your life know that you care about them, and if you are feeling the need to reach out, then it’s probably for a reason.
Nothing is “mine”
I’ve learned to hold on to things a little more loosely in life. As quickly as something is given, it can be taken away. I am thankful for the experiences I get to have, the things I get to acquire, and the people in my life, but I know not to hold too tight.
Life really is a journey…
This is the year that the phrase “life is journey” really set in for me. I’ve known this, but instead of experiencing my journeys in a straight line or zig zag, since most are not linear, they were a bit more cyclical in nature this past year. Relearning the same lessons I’ve learned before but from a different vantage point and place in life helped me to solidify and embody the understanding that life truly is a journey. I’ve had moments where I’m like wait… I’ve already learned this before. Ideally, that would not be the case, but life is life. There are times where these lessons are not at the forefront of my brain. I’m thankful for the gentle reminders and for being able to relearn these lessons. It truly is all in the journey.
It’s okay to start from square 1…
Typically, I’m a very goal-oriented person. I stay on top of my goals, I’m consistent, and I’m disciplined. That was not the case this past year. Much of the year, I struggled to pick myself up and get through each day. But I made it. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the most pleased with myself when it comes to different areas of life, my health and fitness, my personal relationships, career…
I’m thankful that I know what it’s like to set goals and be able to achieve them. I’m thankful that I know what it feels like to be my best self. And I am thankful for each day and the opportunity they provide to walk in the fullness of who I know that I am.
Perception
I believe that there is duality in all things and that this applies to how we are perceived in the world. Perception matters, but at the same time, it doesn’t.
We have to be accountable for the ways that we show up in life, but the fact of the matter is that people’s view of you is based on their personal experience. You cannot account for their experiences, how their views were formed, or what shaped them. I’ve learned that people are going to think whatever they are going to think, I cannot manage other people’s perceptions of me, nor is it my responsibility to do so.
There is always something to be thankful for.
Above all things, I find that this is the most important for me to remember. No matter what life throws at us, there’s a certain magic to be found in maintaining a spirit of gratitude.
These are just a couple of lessons that I’ve been reflecting on as we’ve entered this new year. I’m thankful for them all, and hopefully a few resonate with you.
Cortney Alexandria
