2022 in Review

Looking back at 2022

With the release of Spotify’s 2022 wrapped I am reflecting on 2022, beyond recognizing my unique music choices what other lessons were learned.  

2022 started packed full of challenges. January kicked off with unemployment, my father in the hospital and the death of my mother. Big body punches which drove me to my knees. My head was full of self-doubt, anger, depression, and that “what can go wrong next” thinking. However, in all that negativity there was always some beauty to be found; like spending time and connecting with my father. Hearing my father speak of his life, his love for my mother and just connecting was an amazing opportunity.  Hearing his perspectives of his life challenges was comforting.

Self-reflection was the focus of my professional development. While seeking the next career opportunity I reflected on previous careers. Accomplishments, failures, experiences (good and bad) and what benefits were garnished based upon these experiences. What to do with this newfound freedom?

Self-development was another goal. Reading, researching, exercise, finding ways to keep the black dog of depression at bay. Thoreau quote, “as you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness weakness.” Solitude deepened my awareness, strengthened my understanding, and presented rich soil for creativity to grow. Elements that had been hidden over the last few years of my career uncovered and were reborn during this solitude.

The hard lesson learned in 2022 was that all I can control is showing up each day and trying to be better than the previous day.  Spending seven months seeking (and finding) an environment that would be conductive for what I love proved to be great medicine for my soul. As Johnny Cupcake says, “do more of what you love.” 2022 was a journey in self-discovery leaning into 2023 being about doing what I love.