Wrapping Up the Year: 2023 Reflections

Hello friends, I apologize for how long it has been, and I sincerely hope you've had an enjoyable year, especially during the holiday season.

As we wrap up this year, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on both the challenges and successes I've experienced in 2023.

Challenges:

• I didn't go back to therapy. Although I started off the year with regular sessions with my therapist, after the stressors of school, I found myself not going anymore. However, it was the time I needed it the most. Physician Assistant (PA) school took a toll on my mental health. For 2024, my goal is to prioritize therapy especially during the stress of clinical rotations.

• I was not consistent enough in the gym nor did I eat healthy. I found that I would only go to the gym whenever I was overwhelmed with school, and sometimes I would skip the gym for about a month! Additionally, I ate like a pig. My diet was all over the place as I ate out often, ate at night, and drank a lot of energy drinks and alcohol. In 2024, I will have a healthier routine in exercise and nutrition.

• I was so bad with boundaries. End of 2022, I had placed a lot of boundaries on a lot of things and was confident with how I handled relationships. Towards the middle of 2023, I had difficulty in maintaining healthy boundaries in friendships. I found it challenging to let go of toxic relationships and even formed some detrimental ones. For 2024, my focus is on leaving behind those who did not contribute positively to my life. Please, it is enough. Why are you stressing me when I am already stressed?

• I didn't take enough pictures. I had a whole photo/video album in 2022. Most of the things I have for 2023 are pictures of assignments and medical things. How fun is that? I did not capture enough moments through photos and videos, making it seem like I wasn't fully present. I plan to document more in 2024 to create lasting memories.

• I did not blog enough. I didn't express my emotions and thoughts through blogging this year, even though I had a lot to share. I have to blog more next year as this is important to me, and hopefully for you too.

• I didn't read the Word enough, or talked to God enough. As a Christian this is so important for me. You can never be too "busy" for God, especially to even talk to him for a few minutes a day. I was not able to read my Word enough, and found myself even missing some church services all year. I would claim "I had a lot to do and I have a lot to study for" but imagine if God said He was "too busy" for us. It hurt, especially because sometimes I found myself in situations where I didn't like what I was doing or how I was becoming. Especially with how my mental health had declined this year. But still, the way God has carried me this year. It really could only be Him. I give him all the glory and I dedicate my life to him. For 2024, I aim to prioritize my spiritual well-being.

Successes:

• I picked up old habits that I enjoyed, like reading. You're probably wondering how that was possible if I was "too busy" this year. Listen friends, when you don't want to study, everything is a lot more fun. The way I would find time to finish a whole novel because it was more interesting than studying a whole body system. I plan to continue reading novels and exploring such activities in the coming year.

• This year proved how strong I was. 2023 revealed a a resilience within me that I hadn't fully recognized before. Despite imposter syndrome and heightened anxiety, my improved study habits and mental capacity became evident. I pray for continued strength and grace from God in 2024.

As I close this chapter and embark on a new year, I want to express my gratitude for your support and understanding. The challenges of 2023 have been eye-opening and humbling, reminding me of the importance of self-reflection and growth.

In 2024, I will make more positive changes in my life. These lessons learned from my failures will help me move forward to a more fulfilling existence and I look forward to sharing my journey with you through more consistent blogging.

As this new year unfolds, I encourage you to reflect on your experiences, acknowledging its highs and lows.

Thank you for being a part of my community. Here's to a new year of grace and joy. May 2024 bring you and your family love and peace.

Have a happy New Year!

-Kay