What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?

“End of Year Recap” is an exercise my family and I take part in every New Year’s Eve!! As we enjoy tasty snacks and each other’s company, we take a few minutes to create a list of the previous year’s highlights, from each family member’s perspective.  Today’s daily prompt will allow me to prepare for our upcoming compilation of positive events. 

In no particular sequential or order of importance…

It was a very musical year. I went to nine different concerts this past year, with The Black Keys, Nelly, and The Blue Stones coming in as my top three favorites. In addition, I was able to enjoy my daughter performing in five band concerts (with a sixth coming up in a few weeks) and a clarinet solo. She scored an Excellent rating, making this Mama very proud. Not to mention, my husband has made great progress in his guitar lessons! He is speaking my love language when he dedicates time to learn and play me my favorite songs. ☺️

It was a sporty year. While I only was able to get in two MLB games this year, I had a blast watching the boy dominate the tennis courts. I also caught a hockey game with the brothers and their families which scores high up on my list of positive events.

It was a creative year. I participated in three different timed writing contests and progressed to the 2nd round on two of them. I dedicated a significant amount of time journaling and blogging this year as well. My daughter was named Runner Up Young Author winner for the entire 6th grade, again making this Mama uber proud.

I became an aunt. Again!!!

I traveled. Not as much as I would’ve liked to, but my family spent a relaxing, rejuvenating, and well deserved week in Jamaica. We went on a float trip in Missouri. I also visited Phoenix, AZ and Lexington, KY, albeit for work.

My quality of life drastically improved.  I saw a Naturopathic doctor who helped me identify food sensitivities and approaches to my diet and supplements.  I’ve always been healthy, but what she taught me has been a game changer. I’ve progressed in my workouts. I’ve embedded meditation in my daily life. I finally feel in control of my immunity and my mental and physical health.

I reconnected. There were several people who I was required to remove from my life for a while, my mom included. This past year has been a move in a positive direction on mending those relationships.

I witnessed so many gorgeous sunrises, sunsets, and starry nights. Man. I can’t describe in words how utterly captivated I’ve been by Mother Nature this year. Perhaps the meditation is helping me to slow down and take time to value the simple things. I make it a point to get up early enough, as often as I can, to watch the sunrise. The gorgeous tapestry of colors brightens my mood and sets a positive tone for my day. I’ve seen so, so many this year. Sunsets are breathtaking, crystal clear starry nights are magical, but sunrises? They’ve got heart.

I spent another year sober. Enough said!

I’ve never understood the whole mindset of “20XX can go fuck itself, bring on 20XX”. Every single year of my life has had positive attributes. Even in the midst of the COVID lockdowns, there was plenty to celebrate. My family got to spend lots of quality time together. We were resourceful and came up with some inexpensive ways to keep us entertained. We saved oodles of money. Every year has positive events. 2023 included.

What are some positive events that have taken place in your life over the past year?