So long 2023!

I’m not sorry you’re gone! What. a. year…

I lost my paternal grandmother between Christmas and New Year’s of 2022. I lost my Dad in February of 2023, just two months later. Then I lost my job in the 3rd quarter of last year as well. I was impacted, like many, by the layoffs sweeping across big tech and consulting. Alas. What a year! 

As I pen this post, the first since the post mourning his death and attempting to articulate my grief and shock, I’m reminded of the time he and I spoke about our blogging routines. How blogging was a bit like putting a message in a bottle and throwing it into the sea. (You can check out his latest and last publishing spot here: https://jcampbell.substack.com).

I’m also reminded that beyond the tragedies, paramount amongst them losing my father… 2023 wasn’t all bad. There remains much to be grateful for.

My commitment to reprioritising my physical well being, alongside my mental well being, continues from its origins in 2022. April this year will be the 2 year anniversary of my 8k a day pledge. My marriage is happy and strong. My remaining family are well. I am grateful. 

And with a change in my employment status, after 23 years of continuous hustle, I’ve enjoyed  taking a breath and exploring my curiosities, avoiding a mad dash to the first employment opportunity that has come along. Resisting a sense of panic that I imagine could accompany unemployment. 

Taking this pause has been great, and it has also felt a little lonely. Especially with these winter months and dry January commitments as well… However, there are ways around it. I have a Wednesday evening study club with a friend, an occasional Tuesday night e-sports get together… and when spring and summer return the mountain biking trails and mates (humorously and accurately titled “old men on bikes”) will ride again. 

And so as 2023 becomes more distant and 2024 gears up, I move forward without a resolution or theme (… so far as we know… yet… ) Rather, I move forward with an openness to what may lie ahead. As well as gratitude for the reasons above… and… for you! The fine folk out there receiving these periodic messages in bottles over the last 13 years… thanks for reading, and more to come! Wishing you all the best in 2024 and beyond, however your 2023 may have wrapped up. 

Onwards!