2022 That’s a Wrap

I understand that not everybody looks forward to the end of one year and the start of the next with the zeal that I feel in my heart, but let me tell you, I’m feeling it!  I think self-reflection is important (when it doesn’t turn into over thinking and self-doubt).  And I am one of those people that will be posting and re-posting EVERY positive, inspirational, encouraging, feel-good, enthusiastic quote that shows up in my Facebook feed over the next month and beyond.

If you’ve been hanging out with me over the last year, you’ll know that following the inspiration of Happiness Guru, Gretchen Rubin, I created a 22 in 22 list.  This list, which I consider not a resolution list, but rather a To Do list, had 22 things that I wanted to accomplish during 2022.  Some of them were lofty (finish a work of fiction) and some were simple (figure out what you’re doing with your hair!).  Some were scary (skin cancer treatment) and some were fun (float in a sensory deprivation tank).

When I reviewed my list in the middle of December, I was feeling disappointed that I wasn’t going to finish all 22 items on my list. However, my perception of my accomplishments changed when I read Grecthen’s review of her 22 items, and she announced unashamedly that she had completed 11 things from her list of 22. I switched my focus from what I had not accomplished to that which I had completed.

Here are a couple other year end ‘must-dos’ for me.

Books – I enjoy reviewing the list of books that I’ve read over the course of the year.  That’s one of the reasons that I keep track of reads on goodreads.com   I look forward to my annual Reading Challenge summary where I can see at a glance how many books I’ve read, which ones I gave the highest ratings, and recommendations in my favorite genres for 2023.  If you’re a reader, I encourage you to check out…

• The One Hundred Years of Leni and Margot by Marianne Cronin
• We Are All the Same In the Dark by Julie Heaberlin
• How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior
• The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

Celebrity Farewells – I enjoy seeing the tributes to the celebrities that have passed away during the current year.  Morbid?  I don’t think so.  Does it make me melancholy?  A little.  But I consider it an opportunity to remember and honor those folks.  I appreciate the change in recent years, to include not just entertainers, but scientists, philanthropists, and international influencers.  Let’s celebrate the people that share their talents, knowledge, diplomacy, and good deeds with the rest of the world.

Journey of 1000 Things – I completed (tonight on December 31) my yearlong endeavor to complete my journal of 1000 Things You Don’t Know About Me.  Will it ever be read by anyone?  I have no idea.  Do I feel accomplished?  I sure do!  I call it the Journey of 1000 Things because it definitely was that.  Sometimes boring, sometimes fun, sometimes I thought I wouldn’t be able to finish it.  There were many opportunities for self reflection and improvement. 

And of course, my 23 in 23 List – So what’s on my list for the new year?  I’m looking forward to a trip to Philadelphia with MOH.  I’m going to say goodbye to three wisdom teeth I should have left behind in the 80s, and then reward myself with another float.  I’m going to spend 23 minutes outside every day.    

I felt so good about donating blood four times last year that I’m putting it on my list to do again this year.  I want to enroll in a writing class and spend a week at the lake writing.  I’m going to organize a family game day with my siblings, nieces, and nephews.  I’m going to re-read a favorite book, attend four stage shows at the theater and visit 12 friends I haven’t seen in too long.  My pursuit of the pillow of my dreams continues. 

So yeah, as I mentioned above, I’m excited.  I’m feeling Zesty!  2023 – Let’s Go!