2023 Year-End Reflection
© Krista Boivie, 2023
I recognize it’s cliche, but the years keep zipping by so quickly it sometimes baffles me. 2023 has been a year full of travel adventures, personal achievements, significant change management and growth at work, and trials for people I know and love. Unlike the previous couple of years when I faced a few health challenges, this year had me feeling good–no unexpected hospital and doctor visits! However, that was not true for many people I know and love. One of the enduring beauties of mortality is that sorrow and joy can co-exist in the same space–a truth that has resonated with particular poignancy this holiday season.
As I reflect on the year, I've decided to share my Year in Review earlier than normal, as the rest of my December is busier than usual as I gear up for 2024. Normally, I answer each of the following three questions separately, but this year, my answers to all three are linked by a single event, prompting a combined response.
What significant life changes happened this year?
What was I most proud of this past year?
What was the most significant thing you learned this past year?
Back in January, I set myself a challenge: 30 days of focused attention, 30 minutes a day, across three key areas of my life (plus a bonus one). And guess what? I not only nailed that goal but went above and beyond—I exercised EVERY. SINGLE. DAY in 2023! This is a major milestone for me, especially considering my history with exercise. I've spent most of my life avoiding it, so to pull this off feels like a huge victory.
Reflecting on this daily exercise journey, I've learned a few things:
Scheduling is key. Taking a moment each day to plan when I'd fit in my workout made a world of difference.
Stop the inner debate. This year, I've mastered the art of shutting down that inner debate. There were days when I felt tired or sick and wanted to skip, but reminding myself how disappointed I'd be if I did always kept me on track. It's been a game-changer to silence that inner struggle.
Morning is best. I've discovered that I'm a morning workout person through and through. Starting my day with exercise sets the tone for everything else, and I've noticed I'm less motivated if I leave it until later.
Small, consistent steps. This experience has shown me the power of small, consistent steps. It's one thing to read about it, but actually living it has been transformative. I'm excited to apply this principle to other areas of my life.
While I'm thrilled with what I've achieved, there's still work to be done. Despite all the exercise, my weight hasn't budged. So, in the coming year, I'll be tweaking my routine—adding strength training and adjusting my diet with more protein—to see if that makes a difference. I'm not giving up on daily exercise, though. If anything, I'll be approaching it with even more focus and intentionality.
Other Questions
What were my favorite songs/podcasts/books/movies of the year?
Movies: The Creator, Gran Turismo, and Barbie
Music: Thanks to Spotify Wrapped, I know my top three played songs were: Die For You by The Weeknd, I Feel Like Dancing by Jason Mraz, and Sweet Release by Kevin Ross
Books: Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas; When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead, and Hail Mary by Andy Weir
What was your favorite new experience of the year?
Over Thanksgiving break, I took my niece and her family to Savannah, GA, for the long weekend. It was absolutely beautiful. I couldn’t get over how picturesque the city was. It is definitely on my list for a return visit.
Forsyth Park, Savannah, GA © Krista Boivie, 2023
What new food did you enjoy this year?
While in Italy in October, I ate at a beautiful little restaurant in Montepulciano, Le Logge Del Vignola, and I loved their traditional "Pici" pasta dish with black garlic, Pecorino fondue, and a crumble of bread with thyme and pepper. Absolutely yummy!
2023 Goal Check-In
In 2023, I set my sights on three main areas: History, Health, and Hobbies. January was all about diving headfirst into my 30x30 goals, and I made some great progress. But once February rolled around, things took a turn. My focus shifted almost entirely to health and fitness, leaving my history and hobbies goals gathering dust. Oh, and those promised monthly blog updates? Yeah, that didn't happen either.
Looking back, it's clear that I didn't maintain the momentum I started with. Out of twelve months, I really only kept up with one goal consistently. My health goal was the shining star, but the others didn't stand a chance. If I had to grade my efforts, I'd give myself a C+ on a good day.
As I gear up for 2024, I'm rethinking how I approach my goals. I won't spill all the details yet—you'll have to wait for my January 1st post for that—but I'm confident this new approach will set me up for more success in the coming year.
What new questions do you want to ask in the new year?
In early December, we had a fantastic guest speaker at work, Riaz Meghji, who talked about the power of connection. His presentation was inspiring, and he shared some thought-provoking questions that stuck with me. Here are three I'm planning to incorporate into the new year:
How can I make someone feel famous? In other words, how can I take my compliments to the next level?
Can you recall a conversation that changed your life? This question isn't just great for building connections; it's also a fantastic prompt for self-reflection.
When was the last time you ventured into uncharted territory? I adore this question because it reminds us of the excitement and challenges of trying something new. I'll be delving into this topic more in my January 1st post, but 2024 will be all about embracing new experiences. It's a pretty big deal for me, and I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about it.
How was your 2023?
