This year was NOT easy. Foolishness, audacity, and atrocities all came together to thrive. However, some good moments have kept me going. If you survived this year, celebrate. If you have some sanity left, celebrate ‘cause honey….

As this year rolls off a cliff with the speed of a sloth, take some time to cherish the “good” moments- no matter how small. MDD was just whoopin’ my ass yesterday. With that being said, I’ll start my 2023 reflection with:

The Goods

Sloppy Turned 1

My first novel turned 1 on January 11th, 2023 and I'm so proud of it. I learned so much along the way and am so excited for the second installment of Sloppy. The second book is more hopeful. Roxy and Silk are still going strong. Roxy...well, you know....still Roxy.

Daily Walks

This year, I told myself that I would return to my daily walks. I aimed to walk the most during the warmer months and I showed up for myself. I would walk to Fairmont Park, meditate for about 15-20 minutes, and walk back. Meh, it was about an hour and a half altogether. It helped tremendously. My body comp changed, I felt clear, lighter, and better able to address my day-to-day junk. As of today, I only go out when I have to. Winter is acting like winter. It's disrespectful degrees outside and I want no parts. So, I just take short 15-minute walks around my neighborhood every day.

I Released a Romance Poetry Collection!

Ya'll read my previous blog posts about it. Nonetheless, releasing this collection was everything to me this year. It now beats Long Live Phoenixes as the collection I'm most proud of. Yeah.

I Met Some Dope Creatives!

I met and connected with some cool writers, painters and dancers. It’s always good to connect with other artsy fartsy folk. The creation process can be somewhat isolating sometimes.

My Partner and I hit 1 year of Marriage!

Ya’ll can read my previous blog post but I will say that just because you lived you lived with your spouse for years prior to marriage doesn’t mean nothing will change. It was a big difference. The bond is deeper, the love is more freeing and it feels…warm. Yeah, warm. I hope as the years go by, we continue to grow, laugh and endure each other’s farts.

The Bads

Someone Made a Rumor that I Committed Suicide

Yeah, you read that right. It was around the time Orange September came out too. I had loved ones calling me relieved that I was still here and confused as to how this even came about. For about two days, my phone was to my ear confirming, consoling, and catching up with folks because of someone's shenanigans. I've never experienced anything like this but I will say: I have someone who doesn't want me alive and wishes I would off myself. Life can get hard, and the relief of sleeping forever can get tempting. But I ain't giving you the satisfaction. I'm here. And, even after my time is up, I will still be here. My words will still be here. My voice will still be here. The love I have for others will still be here. Now and then, a loved one will roll their eyes after thinking of a Dad joke or random awkward shit I used to do. My uncool-dorkness is embedded in books.

My Pockets are CRYING

I've always enjoyed having various sources of income. But I love having stability. Ever since March 2020, that stability left me in the cold and I've been freelancing full-time ever since. It's been a fun ride but this year….WHEW. It’s been tough. I’ve been applying to “regular” jobs for years as well with no luck so, I end up leaning into self-employment. I’ve seen the unemployment rates “going up”…based on my story and many others…somebody in Washington (local government too) lyin’. Nonetheless, I press on, knowing that this is just for a season and next year will be much better. I wish that others in a similar position have obese wallets all 2024.

My Nose STILL Isn’t Pierced

If you’ve watched my previous Instagram lives, you know. It’s no one’s fault but my own. But like…what if …anyway, I’ll get it together. It’s on my goal list for next year.

Overall

It’s been a tough year. But it hasn’t been a tough life. The highs and lows are both appreciated without sprinkling toxic positivity over it. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You made it. You’re here. You’re reading this. You’re breathing. We’ll get through this. :)

Also, if you’re still unaware:

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for decades, and it involves political, territorial, and humanitarian issues. The conflict all boils down Israel occupying Palestine territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem and the blockade of the Gaza Strip. It has only gotten worse, expanded and is atrocious. When researching, I recommend checking out news platforms such as Aljazeera or Reuters. You can start with the link below, if you’d like, and then work your way up and around. If you would like to support Palestinians, please check out the second link. Please note: the second link was last updated yesterday.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/9/whats-the-israel-palestine-conflict-about-a-simple-guide

https://afsc.org/news/6-ways-you-can-support-palestinians-gaza

Do what you can. Leave the rest.

Have a wonderful New Year.

I celebrate the New Year in April though ;-)