Reflections and horizons

This will be a short read. As 2022 is running out of steam and 2023 is building up steam, let’s reflect a bit… What worked in 2022, and what did not work? What could I have done differently? What will this new year hold? What will happen? And when? The new year lies in wait around the corner. Not long now. Christmas is done, and hopefully, the dishes too! So, in a few days, we will have all those turn the page and 365 pages of a new book await us memes flying around...

If we had the ability to see into the future, we might not have had the courage to continue when we see that there might be hardship and pain awaiting us. Or tragedies that we rather not experience. Thankfully we do not have that ability to see into the future and therefore need to take it one step or day at a time. One breath at a time. And keep the faith. Faith that God or the universe, call it what you want, is looking out for you and seeing the bigger picture.

Psychology 101 teaches us about the fight or flight response. When Athletes go into big sports events and oftentimes qualifying competitions, they know this very well. They understand that it is the exact same physiologically, that we as people put meaning to it. In other words, the label we adhere to the feeling or emotion. When asked how they feel before the race they will almost always respond and say excited! Which is the better label, because your brain is such a powerful machine it will help you win the race based on sheer mindset, and this is one of excitement, not fear, not your life is in danger, no it is one of excitement, let’s get this thing going. Let’s run this race, let’s win this race!

Promise yourself that this year you will show up for yourself and be there, make sure you show yourself some love by being accountable and doing the things you plan on doing even if you are scared, fearful, and uncomfortable. Growth happens when you move out of your comfort zone. So, grow by building your confidence one fearful task at a time, as everything we want lies on the other side of fear. Regardless of what we are fearful of.

Go forth, and be the best self you can be, and remember it is a competition, but you compete with who you were yesterday, not another person, only yourself. Make 2023 a year of growth, setting your own benchmark, not someone else, you alone.

Stay strong and keep growing. See you in the new year!