Day 17

We’re approaching New Year’s Eve and the beginning of 2024 as well as the end of 2023. I’ve never done a formal “year in review”-style exercise, nor made resolutions, but maybe it’s time that I start. I guess writing over the last few months has been a form of a review practice, especially as I have reflected on both tragedy and blessings from this year in various stories.

I think 2023 may have been the most volatile year of my nearly three and half decades on this planet. January was the month I lost my mother and December I held my daughter for the first time. The fragility of life and the miraculous nature of life were both heightened experiences for me. Fortunately, I have been learning tools through consistent talk therapy sessions this year and reading lots of relevant material to better cope with the ups and downs of life without experiencing crippling anxiety and debilitating depression.

I started to write consistently for the first time in 2023 also. I’ve found it to be so valuable as a tool for thinking clearly and an outlet for thoughts that would historically bounce around in my head with no resolution. I want to keep writing. The question I have to still answer is whether that writing can be part of my money earning career.

2024 will be a year of many firsts as a young family. I want to experience them with optimism, hope, and clear intention. And I want to be accountable to this through my writing. I continue to learn that the unexpected will happen and that I need only be prepared to respond thoughtfully and responsibly instead of trying to predict every outcome ahead of time. I hope there will be many memories made and stories to share in 2024.

So long for now.

Felix