2023.

Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash

This year, I haven’t had much time to look back. To replay the year, with all its lows and peaks, maybe capture it neatly into a Reel or carousel on Instagram, or even just a journal entry. But I’ve been replaying it in my mind, almost every day.

I don’t know if it was my year, and frankly, I don’t know if I’ve ever had “my year”, but I could not care less.

In 2023, I’ve had dreams come true. Dreams I’ve carried with me since my teenage years. Maybe in the grand scheme of things, they’re small and insignificant, but to me, this year, they’ve meant the world.

Sure enough, I’ve also hit rock bottom a couple of times and man, was it rocky. I lost people I can never see or talk to again, I felt alone, misunderstood, aimless. I learned, against my will, to pick myself up when I’m drained, and keep going, for other people’s sake.

I made new friends, and tasted the sweet flavor of friendship in my thirties. I wrote more than ever before (even poetry, which was a distant notion to me before!). I poured my soul onto a (virtual) piece of paper and tried to make sense of my life.

But most of all, I came home. Home to myself and to my partner. I fell in love with domesticity, seemingly mundane chores and routine. I finally came to know the blessing of waking up next to the one I love, every single morning.

I tried to do right by my family, friends and everyone else that matters, and I hope I succeeded.

Few years have taught me more lessons than 2023. Both good and bad ones. At the risk of sounding cliché, I am thankful for all.

So today, on the last day of the year, I draw a line. Below it are my intentions and priorities for the future, which are crystal clear to me now. I know what matters and shall not be sacrificed.

Today, despite all the worries, aches and tiredness, I feel safe, loved and at peace with myself. Which is all I wanted all along.

Happy New Year, guys! I hope 2024 brings you everything you need and more! ♥️

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