Some years are a year to remember. Some are a year to forget. Mine was a little of both.
I’m tempted to recap my whole year for you. It’s in my nature to share. Well, over share. In fact, my Dad will probably read this and shake his head, “Please don’t!” I admit, I tell stories that ramble. He often asks me, “Does this story have a point?!” Haha I swear this one does.
Writing is one way I make sense of things. Like a challenging year. And on this last day of 2023, like many of you, I’m nudged to reflect before I can turn the calendar page. Rather than retell my story, I thought I’d share my lowlights and highlights in a rambling post. I’ll let you determine which are which!
I worked with a treasured new critique partner. I attended a writers retreat. I revised my middle grade novel for the millionth time and entered the query trenches. I waited. I evaluated over 1000 college applications for an Ivy League college. I tweaked my back.
I shopped for wedding dresses with my daughter. We toasted when she found the dress of her dreams! I helped my son move into his first apartment. I cheered for him as he soared. I laughed with my college friends over drinks and puzzled through life’s problems. I took a magical trip to Québec with my husband. It was a trip I’ll never forget.
Spin the Golden Light Bulb was chosen as the community read for the most incredible intermediate school. I presented to all 999 students! I signed books for readers at the Rochester Children’s Book Festival. I remembered why I write for kids.
I drove back & forth, hundreds of times over the last eight months, to four area hospitals to sit with my mom. We talked endlessly. I watched her fight over and over to regain her strength. I held her hand. I willed her to keep fighting. And watched in awe as she did. I spent much needed time with my Dad and my siblings. I was reminded how awesome and strong they all are.
I stood helpless as an important relationship disintegrated. I cried. I hoped for the best. I held tight to my family. And loved them unconditionally. I had monthly coffee chats with my bestie. And we laughed. I created team-building activities for this website. I found my online niche. I blogged. And connected with all of you.
I spent a sunny week exploring the Disney resorts with my daughter. I had the best talks with my son. I watched movies like the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes with my husband and watched Suits and the Crown by myself. I reveled in the power of stories. And vowed to make my own better.
I sipped coffee while the sun rose. I learned to take life as it comes. I vowed to appreciate every day just a little more. I realized how lucky I am. I conquered my reading challenge. I wrote.
And I survived.
Like any good story, life is full of obstacles. And twists. It wouldn’t be as good without them. Or as meaningful. As heroes of our own stories, we need to experience the bad to appreciate the good. We need the challenges to really grow. And this year I think I did.
I hope you did too.
I hope your story was meaningful. I hope it was good. As we all turn the calendar page today, let’s brace ourselves for what’s to come. But let’s toast as well, because we survived 2023, and in many ways we flourished too.
Happy New Year, everyone! I wish you all the best in 2024!
Cheers!
