What I’ve Learned, Thus Far, From 2023?

As certain as I am about my annual pandora charm, I am certain about the usefulness of my annual practice of discussing what the year has taught me!

I’ve been doing this particular practice since 2017 and it’s one of my favorite blog segments because it’s oftentimes refreshing to look back and see what lessons I’ve learned and what lessons I’m taking repeat courses in!

Let’s take a quick look back at some of my favorite lessons before getting into what this year has taught me:

Reflection’s Past

2017 Reflection:

2018 Reflection:

2019 Reflection:

I cannot lie, I love these previous lessons and could always use them as constant reminders. But without further ado, let’s get into my list of 2023 lessons, shall we? Yes! I think we shall.

What I’ve learned from 2023:

Starting at the bottom just means that you get to chose the pace of your next climb.

Is it just me, or does each new job feel like a new re-introduction to the bottom of the totem pole?

Until I find the job that (1) pays me enough for my work, experience and education; (2) offers ongoing growth and opportunity; and (3) offers a nice and respectful environment to complete the work, I will continue to move around as much as it takes.

Excuse me for believing that I, too, deserve the best things that roles have to offer (and being willing to work for it) but I truly do. It’s taken me so long to learn, professionally, what I bring to the table and who I am. There have been people who simply wanted me to believe, like they did, that I didn’t deserve anything more than crumbs. I could go into a whole spiel on projecting but I’ll just let your imaginations do the work there.

One of the best things that I’ve learned about me, however, is: I’ll never stop rising because I’ll never stop climbing. I don’t need to look into someone else’s lane to be validated by my own. I don’t need to tear other people down on my way up. I just need to continue to do what I do best: work hard, dress nicely and mind my own business. I’ll be just fine.

Family is truly everything.

Now, I definitely didn’t need this post to teach me this lesson, but I think that this year took it upon itself to be a reminder that “family is everything”.

This year, my family went through (and is still going through) something that I don’t wish on anyone. Not only did it bring my immediate family closer, but it brought me closer to the friends who I felt that I could entrust with the information surrounding what was happening (you now, the friends who are around for more than just the fun times?).

Having everyone band together to show up for another family member is a different type of life experience that goes beyond basic bonds. It’s way more open to vulnerability and shared fears. It’s a deepened experience for all involved and that very raw space is where my tight-knit family currently resides.

The world is weird and you can either adapt or…

The world is getting insanely weird. I have to say that Trevor Noah’s most recent comedy special put it in exactly the right way so be sure to check that out, but man it’s weird here… We have no humanity, no hearts, no work ethic, we’re tearing up our planet, decimating our morals, and bringing down as many people and animals as we can along the way. Our economy is a running joke, almost as long as it is a running debt… Our housing is garbage and don’t get me started on California housing costs. Our jobs are run by losers who let nepotism and/or lies put them in positions that they delusionally believe that they deserve. And, as a society, we certainly are running out of people to look up to…

Like I said, it’s weird here, so you can either adapt or make your own way. And I mean to do this in a way that doesn’t step on anyone else’s enjoyments, doesn’t stop their bliss, doesn’t hurt them, but still gets me out of this ugly rut.

With that, let’s tie a bow on 2023 and start a beautiful 2024.
Best,
Bree