2023 Reflections

And just like that, another year is in the books. I’ve been in a reflective mood lately. Maybe it’s because a new year is just getting underway. Or perhaps it’s because I’ll be turning 40 in 2024. That just doesn’t seem right. If I’m lucky, I’ll get to do another 40 years and see 80. Unbelievable how fast this life is going.

Nothing seemed to go according to plan in 2023. My work schedule was constantly changing. Visits to see family got moved around and outright canceled in some instances. Some of my favorite annual events that mark the changing of the seasons got rained out. It was just one thing after another. There were a few highlights here and there, and I’m certainly fortunate to live the life I have, but 2023 just felt like a year full of hustle. I didn’t take nearly enough time to stop and smell the roses, so to speak. It was go, go, go, and on to the next thing.

I’m determined to do better in 2024. To be nicer and more forgiving to myself. To make time to do fun things with my wife. To not feel a constant sense of urgency all day every day. To slow things down and have more fun. To worry less and let things go.