2022: A Quick Recap.

I read give or take 35 books. I went on more walks than any other year. I probably also gained more weight than any other year. I can’t stop saying “slay.”

I tried lots of new things like pottery, Zoloft, recording some music, frying fish, website building, counseling, a credit card, and more.

Found the word “normal” can be quite harmful. Reconfirmed that I sob while reading picture books. Bought important stuffed animals that are sitting on my bed. Traveled a good bit (I’ll share more of that later). I learned and am learning to be monotone in a good way.

This past year was held gently in fragile hands because of a lot of hard mental health things. Healing takes a while and I find it frustrating & unfair that this hurt is here in the first place. I am grateful that I am worthy to be taken care of (and so are you).

I cried with a lot of strangers. Cried a lot alone with the Lord for known and unknown reasons. Laughed bravely in the midst of it all. Mourned. Celebrated the best I can while tending to my limits. Worked. Interned. Studied. Learned. Forgot. Cooked. Sang. Sat in silence. Hurt others. Apologized. Forgave others. Saw very important people to me get married. Had covid twice. Food poisoning twice. The flu once. Went on some dates. And can’t believe I actually made it through the academic year.

I showed up for myself in ways I’d never before. So did my friends. So did the Lord. I also stayed home like never before, and am thankful for understanding friends who love me, even when we don’t get to see each other as much as we’d hoped.

New year, yes. Past grief, yes too. The new year doesn’t have to feel like a blank slate, it doesn’t for me at least, but I’m grateful for occasions to remember how far I’ve come. How far we all have come. There is room for hope this year, even if last year seemed to put your hope to shame. You’re doing big, brave work by showing up today. I am hesitant but choosing courage and faith for 2023. You can too. Jesus is still trustworthy.