Three things I am grateful for (2022 reflections)
Family picture at our house in Toronto, Canada, 2022
What a difference a year can make. We often think of a year as a long time, but when I look back at years past, few brought change or growth. They would end, and I would think, ‘just another year’, or ‘wow, time flies.’
2022 was not one of those years for my family and me. We experienced much change, learning and growth in the past year. I don’t think any other year in my adult life brought on as much growth as this one.
When I reflect on where I was mentally and spiritually on New Year 2022, it seems like a lifetime ago. We’ve done a complete 180.
And I am grateful for all of it.
I am grateful for…
I could write a novel on all the positive things that happened over the past year. But, most of all I am grateful for the people and community we met last year that inspired and supported our dreams; the dark time and making it to Mexico.
Overall, the last year was a massive lesson in the importance of relationships. The roles that they play in your life are vital.
Where 2020 and 2021 seemed to strip away several of our relationships. 2022 introduced us to new people and a new community. Even if our time with many of them was short, their impact on our lives is so significant.
I would’ve never thought I’d look back at the past few years and be grateful for what I call “the dark period” in our lives.
It was uncomfortable, scary, and as mentioned, relationships were lost or at the very least, changed forever during this time. But, it was necessary. It forced us to rethink so many things.
It led us to a new way of learning, new friendships, increased awareness and led us to where we are today. So, I’m grateful for it and I’m grateful we rose above it.
“Walk towards the fire. Don’t worry about what they call you. All those things are said against you because they want to stop you in your tracks. But if you keep going, you’re sending a message to the people who are rooting for you, who are agreeing with you. The message is that they can do it too.” — ANDREW BREITBART
Lastly, I’m happy to be in Mexico. Before I started writing this post I reread one of my first blog posts, We sold everything we owned to start a new life in Mexico. There is a paragraph explaining our rationale for moving and what we hoped to achieve. It’s a surreal feeling to read the hopes and emotions we were feeling a few months ago as I sit on my balcony in Mexico.
Lesson Learned (2022 takeaway)
2022 (and the two years preceding it) taught me to trust myself and my intuition. Part of this lesson was HOW to listen to myself. First, I learned to quiet my fear-based thoughts and my ego through meditation. Then I learned to filter/block out external influences like the media and the opinions of others.
Once I was able to do those two things, listening to my intuition came naturally. When I look back, it’s the unpopular, unconventional choices I’ve made that led me to my fondest memories. The difference now is that I’m aware and ready for the critics, and I can confidently, yet compassionately, tell them their opinion doesn’t hold weight with me.
It’s a lesson I’d love to share with others, and I am grateful for it.
Thank you, 2022, for a life-changing year full of love, growth and positivity. I welcome 2023 with an open heart and mind.
-written by Kathleen