“The only path I know for figuring out a better way to spend your life is to sit and think. You simply have to carve out some time to think carefully about what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and what you’re really trying to achieve. Nobody stumbles into a well lived life. It has to be cultivated. Reflection and review are critical.” – James Clear

This quote is from a James Clear newsletter. Earlier this year I read his book Atomic Habits and I’ve highlighted so many passages and stuck on so many post-it notes. So as 2023 comes to a close, I start to reflect and review whether this is the life I want to cultivate.

The last time I did this was back in 2021, so I’m going to take some inspiration from past me to reflect.

Career

Earlier this year I got promoted, so I’d say that’s a pretty great achievement. I had essentially been working two jobs, working super long hours, and almost burning out. And I suppose work noticed, promoted me, and backfilled part of my old role.

There were, and still are, some challenges. But something I noticed in my new role: I’m still working long hours, but I don’t hate it.

The only way I can describe it is two people can handle the same situation differently, for instance, working in a busy restaurant kitchen; one can love it and find passion in it, whilst the other can hate it and find it stressful.

I believe I’m the former and I hope that continues into the new year. The one thing I aim to change, though, is a better work life balance. I can enjoy my job and my work, but not give up all my time for it.

Wellbeing

Therapy

I have been in therapy for almost two years now and the main thing I talk about is people – people sure do have a major impact on our lives. I have learnt tools to cope with certain people and situations, as well as mantras to remind myself.

The best way to describe it is that it’s easier to wear slippers than it is to carpet the world – I can’t change people, but I can change how I am around certain people to protect myself.

Awareness is everything and it can help us make better informed decisions that better benefit our lives. I’m reminded of Portia Nelson’s poem There is a Hole in My Sidewalk, and I have hope and courage that in 2024 I can walk down another street and continue to protect my mental health.

Keeping fit

2023 has not been my healthiest or fittest year, and on reflection I want to change that. Perhaps 2024 will be my healthiest and fittest year?

I have some motivation, but I also need to make time and prioritise my physical health in 2024.

Crafts

I’d say this year I have gotten back into baking, mainly through work actually. Baking cakes for people’s birthdays and decorating cookies for events – it’s all been good fun and super relaxing for me.

I hope in 2024 I can continue baking and maybe re-start playing the ukulele again. They say that art decorates space, whilst music decorates time; I need to carve out more time to play some music.

Travel

As I reflect on the year, I recall I have revisited places I’ve been to before, and I’ve been to new and exciting places that I hope to visit again in the future.

I’ve travelled to Paris and Norway for the first time this year and I hope to travel more in the future. I definitely want to see Norway again and want to see the Northern Lights.

So far I have no travel plans planned for 2024, but here’s hoping for more new adventures next year.