What a year it's been. I know that it's not quite over, but as we get closer to the new year, I can't help but spend more time reflecting. My life doesn't look too terribly different from the outside compared to this time last year, but it's a completely different experience inside.
I have learned so much about myself and life. I've pushed back on my negative core beliefs, I've challenged some of my most steadfast perceptions, and I've never been so connected to my emotions in all my life. I've learned new ways to express myself and communicate. I've made difficult decisions, and confronted fear and heart break, and most amazingly of all, I read multiple books! Like... what?!
I was in a really bad place for a while there, and while I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go, I feel like I have begun forming a really solid foundation for a happy life. I am finding every week that I'm a little kinder to myself, I'm discovering more of my joy and passion, my mask is coming off, my wounds are healing, and I'm that much more hopeful. I'm so, so grateful for all of the support I've had that allowed me to take these strides.
This coming year, I hope to work on my circumstances. This year was all about reclaiming my independence and reacquainting me with myself, so next year will be about connecting. I want to find meaningful employment, to begin building a life of purpose, to connect with more people and spend more quality time with those that I care about, to play some live music again, to do some volunteering, maybe go on a date or two, make some new friends, maybe try out some ADHD meds, and maybe even spend a little more time in nature.
The last few days, I have been overwhelmed with a mix of excitement, and doubt, and gratitude, and anxiety, and warmth, and loneliness, and love. I kinda feel like I might explode, but I am living into it because it wasn't all that long ago that I had trouble feeling anything at all. It's really beautiful, and this has been the happiest holiday season I've had in a long time.
Honestly, this probably should have been a journal entry and not a social media post, and maybe parts of it didn't make a whole lot of sense, but there's something cathartic about putting a message out into the world, you know? So thank you for reading. In the spirit of connecting: what are you looking forward to in 2024? What do you hope to accomplish? What did you get from 2023? I'd love to hear about it. 🙂
@ADHDefy That's really great to hear, I'm glad you had such a productive year. I'm not really sure what I'm looking forward to in 2024 if I'm perfectly honest with you. I'm probably going to try and find a decent job next year. I spent most of 2023 trying to overcome health issues that have really thrown a wrench in the works. Got to visit family, that was a plus. I really hope you find what you're looking for in 2024. Sounds like you've set some good goals and I believe you can achieve them.
@ADHDefy I ended up paying off some debt that’s been holding me back. There’s finally a sense of relief (with the ever present, what’s going to be the next shoe to drop).
I’m looking forward to spending more time working on making me more me. More time for hobbies. More time for joy. Getting back to my inner child. Going out on dates with my spouse. Having a babysitter again after a few years without.
Glad to hear about your growth! I hope next year is wonderful for us both.
@jackal I'm glad to hear you paid off that debt--that's always a huge load off.
Sounds like you've got some stellar goals! I hope you find everything your looking for, and maybe some things you didn't even know you wanted/needed. ✊
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