It’s 2023, dear hearts
I have tried to write this Substack two different ways. The first was only partially written before I deleted it, the second is still sitting completed as a draft, and this, the third, well I’m hoping the third times the charm?
It’s so tempting to do a wrap up of 2022, which is what Draft Two is. All my books read for December (I read 46) and all the book stats for 2022 (I read 192 books). Plus some updates about my blog and my writing.
But it’s also tempting to do some Reflection, some Life Lessons, and Things I Did, and Things I’m Leaving Behind.
Except, January is still mid winter. Still time for hibernating, for more reflection. I’m not done yet, and while I do enjoy marking time in multiple ways and having a New Year, I’m not entirely ready for a Look Back yet.
And maybe I’ll miss my chance and I’ll be in the middle of spring before I realize I didn’t Reflect well enough.
But also, there are some things that I’m keeping close this time around, that I don’t think I need to reflect on publicly.
I’m also not announcing goals (besides reading goals, 100 books this year, in case you’re wondering), I’m not declaring this year to be My Year because every year I’m alive is technically my year, and I’m not making super specific goal oriented lists.
This year definitely feels different already, and it’s just one of the many opportunities we have for Beginning Again. The year is full of different markers, different astrological passages, different cultural dates of New and Beginnings. And I embrace many of them.
So, here is my gentle greeting to all of you who are still with me for this new year. I hope you are doing small things that bring you joy, that you are resting when you need to, and drinking delicious beverages.
Until next time,
-Ash
I love how kind you are being to yourself here. <3
Yes to all of this, especially this part: “I’m also not announcing goals (besides reading goals, 100 books this year, in case you’re wondering), I’m not declaring this year to be My Year because every year I’m alive is technically my year, and I’m not making super specific goal oriented lists.”