It’s December 30th as I write this. I have been reading posts about other people’s experiences as they wrap up the year 2023, and it is true that this year has been challenging, hard, painful, exhausting, blissful, hopeful, great- for a variety of people.

It is amazing that we each have different experiences that we look back on and share with the world.

On reading: Finally managed to update my Netgalley reads, got more hoping they’d reflect on Goodreads- I read 183 books this year.

I also got to read two amazing books by Pierce Brown: Morning Star and Iron Gold and Darrow/Reaper the lead character-reminded me of what it means to fight for something and what it means to lose in the face of war.

On work and aspirations: Sometime this year, I applied for a scholarship for an International Masters Program, made it through to the second round and while seeking references- I couldn’t get a hold of my Professors as over the past decade some had passed away and this hurt me. At the time, all I could think of was how much I wanted this, and how much I spent on the language tests only to be told I couldn’t make it because my academic references fell short of their expectations. Later on, when I thought about it, I was glad that I gave it my all.

This year I learned that I can always learn something new, try learning about systems, programs and how to interact with people- and I can’t wait to grow in this.

On writing: I have been writing and re-writing a book this year. I finally had some time to sit and align my thoughts, and I can say that a new notebook just became very useful.

On life and other stories: I spent more time with family this year. I am glad that through my darkest times, whenever it felt too dark to see or move, they always were there-waiting for me, watching out for me and wishing me well.

I got to buy things I wanted, visit places I found amazing, indulge in food and all these experiences added onto my wrap up. The greatest lesson for me has been that ‘it shall pass,’ nothing lasts forever- it may if you continue to think about it, but even then your memory is never reality.