Time flies and it’s the end of 2023 already. How was your year? A few weeks ago, a friend asked me what is the “one word” that I would use to describe my 2023. A word came to me right away – chaotic! I started telling him about why – starting with the two European wars still going on to the sudden demise of my employer in March etc. Then he challenged me and said “can you think of “one positive word” to describe your 2023?”
I was Stomped
I was stomped for a little bit but didn’t want to not have a word so I said – patience! It’s not as negative of a word as chaotic which implied more of my life and work being out of control I said it’s patience because …
- The uncertainty at my work trained me to be more patient with my team, my leadership and myself. I didn’t get much done this year in the traditional sense of work as all came to a halt when our parent company went bankrupt. However I learned to adapt and just shift my focus to other parts of my life.
- The mood swings of my fast growing older daughter who is almost 16 years old is always trying my patience 🤪 I was saved by reading this book called “untangled” which talks about why teenager girls are intentionally mean to their moms and their seven stage of independence transformation. I am starting to learn how to go more with the flow and just enjoys the 20% glimpse of the kid I used to know in my teenage daughter.
- The urgent phone calls from my mom only to find out that she needed help with trivial things take much patience. I learned that as they get older it’s harder to keep up with technology and everything can seem like a bigger deal. It’s up to me to help them solve these “emergencies.”
Is There a More Positive Word?
My friend listened patiently and then said patience is more positive than chaotic but is there still a more positive word? I knew he was right. Patience is more of a neutral word. I didn’t have an immediate answer. However the answer came unexpectedly the next night.
I found out my friend of 10 years died of leukemia that week. Her wife sent out a mass email to share the sad news. She was diagnosed last October and has been in chemo and then a transplant and then more chemo the whole 2023.
I bursted out crying when I found out. We were planning her recovery party as she was 100 days successful after transplant just last month. She was only 55 years old and left behind her a son who is my older daughter’s friend, a college daughter, and her wife. What do I have to complain about in 2023 relative to this tragedy for this family?
My Word for 2023 is …
Fortunate! It really is all about my perspective. I am fortunate because
- I am alive and healthy.
- My hubby and kids are pretty healthy too and all have time and opportunities to pursue their interests.
- My parents are still relatively independent as are that of my husband’s parents. They are all still able to enjoy life and time with family and friends. They are all close to 80 years old.
- I still have a job even though my employer collapsed overnight. We got bought and it seems like we may even get some bonus this coming March.
- I have a level of financial security for our family to travel to fun places.
At the End of the Day
How we view our life and work depends completely on our perspective. There is always a way to find the positives in our life and be grateful for everything we still have.
No matter how challenging your life or work is right now, I challenge you to appreciate what you have still and all that you were able to experience in 2023. With that in mind, what is the one positive word you would use to describe your 2023? I look forward to hearing about it.
Happy holidays. May you find time to rest and to enjoy it with your family and friends.
Your comments: what is the one word you would use to describe your 2023? Share it in the comments below.
I am always in your corner
Lei