For me, 2023 was interesting to say the least. In some ways, it was the worst year of my life. In other ways, I discovered new things about myself and had some amazingly fun moments. Let’s catch up!

So, we will start with the bad because I’d like to end this post on a positive note. In October 2022 (I know that was last year, but hear me out), my mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 Renal Cancer. Because of that, 2023 started out very rocky. My mom eventually passed away in April of 2023 and I was (and still am) shook to my core. My mother and I were very close and I never imagined that I would lose her at such a young age. I expected her to be around to see my kids grow up, to be there for graduations, to see me become a better mother, and hopefully to even see me become a grandmother. Let me back that up by saying, my great grandmother lived to see her very late 90’s and my great-great aunt lived to be over 100. My mother was the centerpiece of my family and everything is different now that she is not around. Needless to say, I’m still grieving and figuring out how to navigate a life in which she is no longer physically involved.

I can easily say, that this is the most difficult thing I have had to go through. However, it did change my outlook on life and in some ways I have grown.

Besides my mother’s death, 2023 was the year that I did things differently. In ways, I feel like her death helped me to realize that MY LIFE SHOULD BE LIVED! I should not just simply exist. So this year, I did a better job of taking initiative with my friends, not sweating the small stuff with my kids, and doing things for me and only me.

So now, let’s talk about the wins!

I went on SEVERAL trips this year! Some with friends, and some with family! I even managed to sneak in a trip with my hubby!

I turned 40 this year and had an amazing sleepover party with friends!

I had a lot of fun with my local friends and made much more of an effort to be present with them! This year I strengthened bonds with my friends like never before.

Overall, 2023 sucked in one major way, but also was amazing in some major ways. Life is for the living and I plan to try to always remember that. I don’t want to look back at my life and regret not doing things that I always wanted to do. I’m trying to make the best of my life and although things aren’t perfect, I am blessed and I plan to walk proudly in God’s favor.

Happy New Year!