Looking back on 2023…
Hi Reader and welcome back!
2023 was a whirlwind year for me which was full of ups and down. I had some wins, losses, and a few things that “just were”. To help with reflection I am going to list some things out:
A few notable wins included my wife and I getting pregnant with our third child, finishing my eMBA, and visiting my family for the holidays!
To balance the wins are a few “losses”:
Some things I would categorize as a loss include a family member who passed away unexpectedly and in less than desirable circumstances. And my step dad being diagnosed with cancer and having a rough time with his treatment (final results pending).
The things that “just were” include:
Layoffs occurred at my place of work and throughout my industry (thankfully I was unaffected) and a myriad of geopolitical issues which we are all aware of to varying degrees.
Let’s perform a sort of mental exercise. It has been beneficial for me to periodically recalibrate by celebrating wins, learning from failures, and taking into consideration other events which occurred or are occurring around me. This has taught me to appreciate the good things in my life, to view things threw a more positive perspective, and to build resilience.
Looking forward to 2024!
So with that in mind, let’s recalibrate. 2024 is upon us and presents a number of opportunities. Here is my goal for the year.; I would like to be a better husband, father, and man for my myself and for my family. How am I going to make that happen?
Dedicate more time to the pursuit of building this website. Ideally this will teach me more about philosophy (and website building…) expanding my knowledge and skillset.
Increase my capabilities by getting on a more regimented workout routine (I am pretty casual about it now). This should help enforce discipline through other aspects of my life and will hopefully serve as a decent example for my children.
Rediscover fishing! Fishing will allow me to disconnect from technology, enjoy the outdoors, and enjoy a semi-meditative state where I can enjoy the simple act of throwing out a line and reeling her back in.
At face value, those may seem selfish and not likely to make me a better version of myself in the way I intend. Hear me out though…
By expanding my knowledge and skillset, I can learn and incorporate lessons into my life hopefully having a positive impact on myself and my loved ones around me.
Part of the more regimented workout routine will include weekend hikes with my kiddos! I really enjoy taking them out and showing them a good time in the great outdoors. Not to mention, I am a firm believer that people should be prepared mentally and physically for what life can throw your way.
And fishing… having the ability to decompress and destress is important for me as it doesn’t always come natural. Between incorporating lessons from stoicism and catching some large-mouth bass, I am hoping I can leave work where it belongs and come home ready to interact with my family in the way they deserve. Maybe, just maybe, I can teach my kids a thing or two about fish while I am at it!
So here is to 2024 Reader and to being better versions of ourselves. I wish you the best of luck in the coming year and encourage you to pursue growing as an individual so that we can have a positive impact on those around us. I would love to hear what some of your goals/aspirations for the new year are. Please share them if you’re willing to do so!
Please leave a comment, and let me know what you think. Let me know how I can improve my website, writing, share topics of interest with me, etc. I would love to hear from you!