A Year of Grief and Growth – Reflecting on 2023

As we bid farewell to another year, it’s natural to reflect on the experiences that have shaped us. For me, the year 2023 was a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by grief and growth. However, as we step into 2024, I am determined to embrace a new theme for the year: intentional love, both for others and, most importantly, for myself.

A Year of Grief

In 2023, grief seemed to follow me like a shadow. My family faced unexpected challenges, I lost a close friend, and I’ve had to relearn what it meant to let go. Each loss felt like a heavy blow, leaving me feeling emotionally drained and lost. However, amidst the darkness, I discovered the power of resilience and the importance of allowing myself to mourn. I mourned what was, what is, and what will never be.

If I could sum 2023 up, the guiding theme would be “If it’s not one thing, it’s another.” Literally. It seemed like every time I tried to catch my breath something else was happening and it became a year of taking it day by day.

So let’s wrap this up with a bow, please!!!

Growing Through Grief

Grief has a funny way of forcing us to confront our deepest fears and vulnerabilities. It pushes us to reevaluate our priorities and find strength within ourselves. Throughout 2023, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, seeking solace in therapy, meditation, and self-reflection. I learned to honor my emotions, allowing myself to feel the pain while also embracing the healing process.

In doing this, I’ve also learned that I have a habit of disassociating. I disassociate at work, I disassociate in my writing, and I disassociate while I’m in public. I find that if I don’t think about what is going on around me, it doesn’t feel as heavy. Now whether this is good or bad, I’m not quite sure. But it truly is my way of not allowing myself not to feel sorry for myself for too long. I just keep going because, to be honest, life doesn’t allow you to slow down. The earth keeps spinning whether you get up every day or not.

But I’m also not saying do this. Don’t be like me, kids. Be better. LOL

Finding Purpose in 2024

As I enter 2024, I am determined to shift my focus toward intentional love. This theme encompasses showing love and kindness to others and prioritizing self-love and self-care. By intentionally choosing love, I hope to create a positive ripple effect in my relationships and the world around me.

Love for Others

Intentional love means being present for those who need it most. It involves actively listening, empathizing, and offering support to friends, family, and even strangers. By extending a helping hand, a kind word, or a compassionate ear, we can make a significant impact on someone’s life. Small acts of love can create a domino effect, inspiring others to pay it forward.

You just don’t know what someone is going through behind closed doors. So in the open, I want to love on people as much as I can.

Love for Myself

Equally important is the practice of intentional self-love. In 2024, I aim to prioritize my mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This means setting healthy boundaries, practicing self-care rituals, and nurturing my passions and interests. By loving myself, I’ll show up as the best version of myself for others, fostering deeper connections and a more fulfilling life.

In the past few weeks, I’ve come to realize that I have a habit of being kind and showing up in the best way I can for those around me while usually neglecting myself. I’m not always the kindest to who I am and I don’t always show myself the same grace, I show others. I’m actively working on it though!

Cheers to What’s to Come

While 2023 may have been a year of grief and growth, I am grateful for the lessons it taught me. As I embark on a new year, I am eager to embrace intentional love as my guiding theme. By extending love to others and nurturing self-love, I hope to create a positive and transformative year ahead. I hope we can all embark on this journey together, spreading intentional love and making 2024 a year of compassion, growth, and fulfillment.

Like always, Let’s Get To The Good Part. And although it was sooo long ago, don’t forget to checkout my last post reviewing The Little Mermaid here.