2023 Recap & Review
Every year, I spend some time reflecting, journaling, and setting the mood for the new year. Three years ago, I started publishing these thoughts online (because well, that's what you do when you start a blog). You can read 2021 here and 2022 here.
Instead of making a list of accomplishments or lessons learned this year, I'm making a gratitude list. I made plans for 2023, but I've had so many unexpected joys - things I never could have even expected. In this recap post, I share 10 joys I am grateful for and 1 hope for the new year.
10 Joys in 2023:
the joy of launching my coaching practice: This year, I went back to one of my first loves, coaching, through a coach training that lit me up in ways I could also never have imagined! When my cohort joined the session, the first question they asked was "what's your dream?" It was profound because up till that point, I'd never admitted aloud that I wanted to be ICF certified as a coach, with my own practice. I'd volunteered at IMMERSE Coaching Company as a Support Coach since 2018 and worked with hundreds of leaders as a facilitator, but establishing myself as a certified coach felt out of reach until this year. Working with clients through my new coaching practice has brough SO MUCH JOY!
the joy of old friends and loved ones: I feel like I deepened my relationships this year: hours spent in deep talk (my jam) or in comfortable silence, moments of awe and wonder, watching people I love grow and change. My loved ones have given me space to be myself - I'm grateful for the people who have been in my life for a long time and continue to support and love me unconditionally.
the joy of planning my friend's proposal: I did so many new things this year, but this tops the list. I've planned and executed corporate events before but I was nervous because I wanted it to go well. My friend of over 10 years was literally coming from another continent to propose to his beautiful babe, and I wanted to make their day special. In the end, it didn't matter that I couldn't decide quickly between balloons or flowers, an indoor location or outdoor, because the JOY was not in those things. It was in all of us who were present. It was in the both of them starting their journey. It was in the moment, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.
the joy of going out & meeting new people: I'm introverted and a homebody. My idea of fun is a warm room, candlelight, a cup of mango-ginger-lemon-honey tea, and a really good book on a rainy day. So joining BlackOak Collective as the Events Director was the opposite of my default programming. But, I can do events, it's the small talk I'm not so good at. If you've ever tried small talk with me, I apologize 😭. However, I could never have guessed how much these events would be so fulfiling or that it was possible to meet so many amazing people in such a short period of time. I'm grateful for the gift of gatherings and the joy of being able to connect with others.
the joy of getting promoted at work: Work promotions are one of those things you really hope happen but also prepare your mind in case they don't. Getting promoted was a goal at the beginning of the year but as with goals with outcomes that aren't completely in your control, I let it go. OK, I didn't. I bugged every person at work I felt could help with my case for promotion (yes, I made a case for promotion: I was already delivering work at the next level with results to match) until I got a yes. This promotion made me feel I'd gotten to a "cruising altitude" of some sort with my career, and I can put 100% of my focus to deepening my expertise and establishing myself as a leader (rather than trying to prove myself).
the joy of establishing myself as a facilitator: I developed new sessions this year, and facilitated sessions with people in the room who looked like me, and did not look like me. I was stretched in ways I could never have imagined: full-day sessions back to back, to the same content delivered to very different groups. I enjoyed it. I even emceed large events twice - the first had up to 300 people present and a fireside chat I facilitated, and the second may have helped me discover a hidden skill as a standup comedian. I have been incredibly fortunate and grateful for the opportunities that have come my way this year. It has been both exhilarating and fulfilling to see others grow and learn from the content.
the joy of creativity: One thing I wanted to do more of this year, was to write. Beyond writing, I wanted to explore my creativity in different forms. From designing new processes at work, to rebranding my website, I worked on projects that allowed me to think outside the box and tap into my creative side. They didn't look like your traditional forms of creativity, but they still brought me joy and a sense of accomplishment.
the joy of travel: I had the privilege to travel to many places in 2023. I am grateful for journey mercies. I traveled within and outside the country a lot of times this year and each time, I returned home safely. Whether by air, road or sea, I am grateful for the safety and protection throughout my journeys. It's been a blessing to experience new places, cultures and people - each journey opened my eyes to something new and reminded me of the beauty in our world. It expanded my perspective while keeping me grounded.
the joy of champions: This year, I met people who took a chance on me, who believed in my potential and pushed me to be better. Personally, and professionally, they have been my champions. They have given me opportunities and support that I never thought possible, and for that, I am forever grateful. If you're reading this, and you either spent time with me figuring out a problem, or helped me expend my network, or intentionally connected me with someone who could help me, or shared opportunities or resources with me, THANK YOU. You know who you are and I am beyond blessed to have you in my life.
the joy of faith: I spent a lot of time this year with others who share the same faith as I do, and found it one of the most rewarding things I experienced this year. Faith also kept me going in difficult moments, especially those that were way out of my control. It brought a hope that I couldn't find elsewhere and a sense of peace in the midst of chaos. This year, I'm grateful for the continued growth and strengthening of my faith, and for those around me - men and women, who continue to encourage me, pray for me and inspire me to live a life of purpose each day.
Recap:
2023 has been filled with many joyful moments that have inspired this gratitude list. It's been sad, too, watching global events unfold, seeing people suffer, yet having to move on with each day as if everything's normal. It's been a year of contradictions and learning to navigate through uncertainty. 2023 has taught me so much about resilience, adaptability, and finding joy in unexpected moments. It has also reminded me of the importance of gratitude, intentionally focusing on the positives in my life, and using that as a force for hope for the future.
One Hope for 2024:
I hope to make a wider impact through my full-time job, my coaching practice and all the places I volunteer. I hope to continue growing and learning, being open to new experiences and challenges. Most of all, I hope to spread joy wherever I go, making a positive difference in the lives of those around me.
