Forecasting 2023 and Happy New Year!

Published on by dgkaye

As another year comes to a close, we tend to all have flashbacks of reflection on what we accomplished this closing year. I think, like many, it feels as though this year has flown by. Or is it, the older we get, the faster we feel time fly?

For me, it feels as though the days, weeks, and months kept flying by as I worked on each project I had set goals to accomplish for the year. Last year was basically, a write off for me while my new solo life overwhelmed me at every turn after losing my husband. This year, although my grief was no less, I fought and still fight my grief daily, but I understood that I must find a way to make my life go on and in order to do so, I had to set goals for myself to accomplish feeling I was still part of the living by immersing myself into projects that helped me do so.

After coming back from last winter’s escape to Mexico, I set my intentions for the new year ahead because I always need a plan, that’s how I function. I worked on taxes, planned to write episodes for a podcast I promised myself I’d begin in 2022 and, promised myself to get back to the book I finished writing in 2019 and publish it. I also prepared my columns for Sally Cronin’s Smorgasbord Blog Magazine in my Spiritual Awareness series, as well as lots of intermittent writing for my next book on grief. Being in solitude much of the time reminded me I have to have goals and have to be busy to keep myself from dwelling on the dark side of my life. I can honestly say that I don’t think I’d be here today if it weren’t for writing. Writing is the passion that dwells within, and allows me to expel in words the gnarled mess of emotions that I live with daily. It’s my sanity. My solitary time also afforded me more time to read more books, and books are my ethereal escape into another world, another life, which gives me a welcome break from being in my own skin sometimes.

As this year comes to a close, I’m already setting goals for 2023. First and foremost on my agenda is to once again, get out of Dodge and go back to Mexico later in January. Last winter, going to Mexico for the first time without my husband, overwhelmed me, yet I went. Once there, I learned more life lessons and faced more harsh realities when I learned ‘our’ friends were no longer because my husband too, was no longer. It was another painful lesson on human behavior, but gratefully, the universe sent me the ‘right’ friends, and I forged some new and very tight relationships with new friends. We are all reuniting again next month back in Mexico, and I’m excited for my two-month escape from my real life here for a pause with an active social life – something I no longer have here. No doubts I’ll be learning some new life lessons. My tribe has been cut substantially since my husband passed as tragedy often shows us who is left in our corner when the chips are down. But the quality is excellent, showing me excess quantity was in dire need of spillage.

While away, basking in sunshine and social fulfillment, I’ll assess what my goals are for 2023, then tackle them with fresh enthusiasm, upon my return. I know I will be working on my grief book, which I also know will take a great deal of stamina and time to go through the almost 100,000 words in various rough drafts I’ve written over the last two years. I have good experience with knowing that painful writing requires distance in between revisions. Being a memoir writer means having to relive over and over with each revision and edit, the memories of what we write. I know when I wrote P.S. I Forgive You, about finding forgiveness for my mother, that the emotions that bubbled within as I reread painful memories, had me having to walk away from the computer and letting the words sit until I could gain back the heart to sit down and read it again. In between my distancing myself from the book, I worked on other projects. I assume this next book will probably be the most difficult book I will ever write. But I feel compelled to write it. So no doubt, I will need a distraction project to divert to. Thankfully, there’s never a shortage of work for a writer.

I imagine January will pass almost too quickly as I prepare for the packing and usual travel anxiety, and will remain until I land in Puerto Vallarta and finally letting out a huge exhale. As per all my winter breaks, I won’t be reading blogs on a regular schedule as I do at home, nor will I be posting anything (because I don’t like to close comments and cannot commit to responding to any in a timely fashion), but I will pop into some of your blogs sporadically when I get a few spare moments from my busyness. And upon my return in late March, no doubts I’ll have some fun stories to share about some of the shenanigans that will undoubtedly be going on in Mexico.

Thanks for keeping track of all the wonderful books I’ve read this year #Goodreads. I surprassed my goal and read 56 books! You can check them out by clicking below

Source: D.G.’s Year in Books | Goodreads

I would like to take the opportunity to wish you all a very happy and healthy new year. I always include ‘healthy’, because like my husband always liked to say, “Cubby, without good health, nothing else matters.”

x

Seasons greetings

©DGKaye2022

102 thoughts on “Forecasting 2023 and Happy New Year!”

  2. You’ve had quite a couple of years, Debby. I think you’ve approached everything the right way, allowing yourself to grieve while finding a way in your new world. Your husband would want you to move forward, and you’re doing that at your pace. Of course, there will be moments of loneliness and grief. I’m delighted to hear that you’re going to travel again and be with friends (old or new). Aren’t you grateful you weren’t traveling during this latest fiasco?

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    1. Thank you so much Pete for your boost of confidence. I am looking so forward. As for the latest fiasco – it’s still rippling with lost luggage here. One thing I can tell you for sure, I’ve made it a point to NEVER travel during the Christmas season, decades ago when airport here is craziness. The snow bomb only added to the usual madness. Yes, in short answer, I am so glad! 🙂 Happy New Year Pete. 🙂 x

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  3. You deserve every bit of happiness the world has to give. I am both sad, and glad you found out about your false friends, but I am even more happy that you have made new friends. No surprise there. You are a wonderful person. I wish you every ✨ Happiness in The New Year!

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  4. When I read that your “friends” were no longer your friends without your husband there, I found myself nodding. I have heard of this happening so many times. Don’t give it another thought. They were merely acquaintances. Real friends don’t do that to each other. You have lost nothing of any value with their disappearance from your life. Maybe they’ve made room for some real friends to take their place. Forge ahead. You’ll do fine.

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    1. HI Anneli. Thanks for your words of inspiration. You are so right. And I can attest to the many I’ve read about who talk of this same incidence. Yes, it is a thing where people disappear from a griever’s life. But as you said, real friends don’t do those things. And now I have formed some wonderful new friendships there on my own. Sometimes the universe gives us a nudge to open our eyes. It was painful at first, but I am comforted by these new and wonderful friendships. Hugs to you and Happy New Year! ❤

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    1. Thanks so much Deb. Yes, between living in solitude and lack of sunshine it can be a recipe for depression. I already am affected by SAD syndrome, so the sun is my prescription. Wishing you a very happy and healthy new year my friend. ❤

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  6. You have been amazing this year as always Debby and thank you for the amazing Spiritual Awareness series and looking forward to the posts to come…also for your excellent foraging skills to find the funnies to share… they have kept us laughing. I am sure your two months in Mexico will recharge your batteries and send you back to us bubbly as always… Happy New Year my friend ♥♥

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    1. Thanks so much Sal for your friendship and words of encouragement. Yes, as you too are affected by lack of sunshine, you know well what this trip means to me. 🙂 I’m looking forward to to fun and sun and coming up with some new and exciting projects for 2023. And always thrilled to be a part of the Smorgasbord blog magazine. Happy, Happy and Healthy New Year my dear friend. ❤ ❤

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  7. Wishing you a happy new year. A good break from it all, and look forward to reading your blog etc when you return in March. Enjoy your winter holiday.

    I can imagine writing memoir linked to pain and high emotions are exhausting. But healing at the same time, and an immense amount of letting go.

    All best.

    Happy 2023

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    1. Thank you so much for your lovely wishes Bella. And you are so right, There is often much heartache in writing memoir, but such a cathartic feeling after it’s all done. Wishing you a happy, healthy and peaceful New year. ❤

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    1. Hi Robbie. Thanks so much for your lovely kudos. I wish you and your family a new wonderful year, and good health to all of you – especially your Michael. Hugs ❤ xx

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  11. Happy New Year, Debby! I hope 2023 is packed with fulfilling projects for you (many ongoing). Although your book on grief will be hard to write, I am sure it will be therapeutic as well and will be helpful to many other people having to deal with the loss of a loved one. I know we will catch up before that, but just in case I forget, I wish you a fabulous break. We will be waiting for your report!

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    1. Hi Olga. Thanks for your lovely words and wishes. I’m not leaving until late January, but thanks for the good wishes. And yes, I am hoping this new book will be therapeutic for both myself and my readers. Thanks for your friendship and good wishes. Happy, Healthy New Year to you my friend. ❤

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  14. Hi Debby, I’m so glad you’re headed back to Mexico! Yes, writing is a healing blanket and a strong pull. It’s a joy. I must say I hate setting goals. Just the word ‘goal’ has a strong negative connotation for me. At work I am forced to set goals every year, and forced is the operative word. I admire people like you who jump at setting goals. Happy New Year!

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    1. Hi Jennie. Thanks for your lovely wishes. I will say, I used to be like you – not like setting plans or goals. I find as I get older I need to make lists of what I want to accomplish and try my best to hold myself accountable to it. You know, the discipline thing, Lol. Wishing you a beautiful new year filled with happiness and always, good health. ❤

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      1. I make lists (big time)! I have plans. I am organized and get things done…maybe it’s the word ‘goal’ that’s my problem. Nearly 40 years of having to set forced goals at school has been a negative. I think I just need to change the word. Dreams? Wishes? Plans? I’m on it, Debby! 😀 Best to you!!!

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      2. I like that Jennie – Plans and wishes is great. It’s always good to be accountable to ourselves. May we both achieve all we intend for 2023! Happy New Year Jennie! 🙂 xx

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  15. I wish you a wonderful rejuvenation time in Mexico, Debby. Thank you for sharing your year-end thoughts. Looking forward to 2023 and wishing you a healthy and prosperous new year!

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    1. Thanks so much for your lovely wishes Jan. Rejuvenation is the word – for the mind and soul. Happy New Year to you too Jan, wishing you good health and happiness. ❤

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  16. I’m sure this next book will be the hardest write of your career, but I’m also certain it will be one of the most useful books you will ever produce. No matter who we are, or what sort of relationships we are in, ALL of us will suffer grief at sometime, and your sad experience, expanded by the research and reading it led you to do, along with your compassion and downright straight-thinking approach to life, will make it an invaluable resource. Just listening to your first couple of podcasts on the subject confirms that.
    Have a wonderful break, and come back with your life and goals in order. Happy and healthy new year to you too.

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    1. Deb, thank you for your beautiful words. You said a mouthful. No matter who we are, we will all encounter grief at some time – as you know well. For me, it’s the real experiences that people share of themselves that touch and had me nodding – much more than the clinical books. I do hope that my words will help others in some way, the same way other’s have helped me. Yes, paying it forward for others to learn the journey. Thanks again for your kudos my friend. And wishing you the same happiness and good health and wonderful year of creativity. Hugs ❤ xx

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  18. You’ve been through a lot, and kudos to you for forging ahead, as difficult as it must be. We haven’t been to Puerto Vallarta since January of 2019, and I hope to return one day. Wishing you all the best for 2023!

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    1. Thanks so much for the kudos Debra, and your kind wishes. I do hope you get to return there one day. It’s already grown so much more since 2019. Happy, Healthy New Year to you too. 🙂

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  19. Happy New Year, 2023, Debby! Wishing you happy and relaxing travel to Mexico in January. Keeping yourself busy is a very good thing! Writing is so important. I agree. For me it’s one of the major ways I explore my artistic expression. It’s incredibly therapeutic. Wishing you lovely times and days! 💚 and lots of inner peace!

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  20. You have a way with words, dear Debby! I’m so glad that 2022 has been quite productive for you and that you have enough distractions, goals, and projects to keep you focused. Have a wonderful time in Mexico and Happy 2023!!

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  21. You are amazing, Debby! Truly a blessing to all who know and love you. I can not imagine the pain and grief you have experienced, but I see how you found the inner strength to move forward with your life, set goals, and achieve that which you set out to do. I can’t wait to see what you do in 2023, but I look forward to enjoying the work you generously share with us. Wishing you a year filled with peace and joy. Hugs and love to you, C

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    1. Hi Cheryl. Thanks so much for your love and kindness. Grief is my companion in life, I’m just doing and hoping to find easier ways to live with and move forward with grief. It never leaves, so we either get drowned by it or we trial and error in our way through and learn how we can live with it. I so appreciate your encouragement. Thanks again for the wishes, and I wish you love, laughter, happiness, peace, and of course good health for the new year and always. Hugs ❤ xox

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  22. I am so sorry … I wasn’t aware that your husband had died. That is a huge thing to overcome and such grief has no time limit, no expiry date. You do a beautiful job with your writing and I can tell from what little I’ve read that you are a beautiful person inside and out. Here’s hoping the coming year is a wonderful one for you! Happy New Year and hugs, my friend! ❤

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    1. Thanks so much Jill for your kind words. You said it – grief has no expiry date, it’s something we must adapt to and learn to carry with us for the rest of our days. Every day I am learning as I trudge through my own journey of life while keeping my husband packed tightly in my heart.
      Wishing you a beautiful new year with all things good, just, peaceful and fulfilling. Happy New Year my lovely friend. ❤ xox

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  24. Enjoy your winter break in the sunshine, Debby it will certainly brighten the spirits like you sadly I have found out who my friends are during the last 18 months but we get through wiser and hopefully happier…I too include healthy in my New Year wishes as health isn’t a given…Wishing you a fabulous and healthy New Year Hugs xoxo

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    1. Thank you so much Carol for your lovely wishes. I know you’ve had a difficult year. And it is truly astounding with the research I’ve done in the world of grief, just how many in difficult situations are abandoned in their time of need. It’s like pieces of our foundation are pulled away, and we are left having to rebuild our tribe. That’s what I’ve been working on – smaller circles, but much tighter. I wish you too, a better year, filled with hope, strength, good health to you and your loved ones, and throw in a few miracles for good measure. Happy New Year my lovely friend. ❤ xxx

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    1. Thank you Natalie for your most beautiful words and wishes. And yes, there must always be hope to brighten the dark days. I wish you a most beautiful year of goodness in health and happiness and for all your endeavors. Happy New Year Natalie. ❤ xx

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  27. This is such an honest, thoughtful post. It has a lot in it. First, you will be missed as 2 months is a long time, but not for you, I realize! 😊 Have a wonderful, joyous time away. Your list of goals was amazing, Debby, and you were able to put your head down and focus and do it all. I try to do that but I seem to have energy level issues. It is what it is for me. My point is that I admire that about you. I also wanted you to know that I am now the proud owner of gold obsidian, amethyst and carnelian stones because of you. 😊 I’ll be honest, I asked for crystals as a gift and am not sure if what I just referenced are those or healing stones, but I like having them in my possession. I had first learned of emotional protection from you, so thank you. You will return rested and so full again, I know 2023 will be a strong one for you. Wishing you the very best in the new year. ❤️

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    1. Hi Melanie. I’m so inspired to hear that my posts had inspired you to get some crystals. And thrilled my spiritual series has piqued your interest. I love that you are getting a stone collection growing. Here’s a link for you that offers the properties of many stones https://meanings.crystalsandjewelry.com/protection-stones/
      Thanks so much for your lovely wishes Melanie. I’m looking so forward to my winter escape. But I’m still here for now. Wishing you a beautiful new year filled with happiness and good health. Hugs ❤

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      1. Thank you for the link Debby! I’ve already read it and learned many things (like washing them to get rid of negativity.) It’s a fascinating topic to me. 🙂 Thank YOU for your kind wishes as we start a new year. Hugs as well. ♥

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      2. Wonderful Melanie. I’m thrilled for your new learning venture with stones. And yes, so important to cleanse them. Just be careful, all stones don’t like the water. You can also charge by sitting them on a window sill overnight to charge by the moon. Also, a small selenite wand is a natural energizing cleanser of unwanted energies. You can always rest a piece on top of a stone to self-clean. I hope that all gets you started. Enjoy! Hugs my friend. xx

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  28. I’m sure you have more than earned a break and some warm weather in a few weeks, Debby! Enjoy your time and your friends! Happy New Year and hugs, and please send a bottle of warm air and sunshine to my snowy winter world 😉

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    1. Lol, thanks Terri. I know you have received some unwelcome weather in your neck of the woods. I know your plight, lol. Thanks for the kudos and lovely wishes Terri. I will envision me sending the warmth and sunshine to you once I’m basking in it. Happy New Year to you my friend. ❤

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  29. Hi Debby – so pleased to read you’re getting away … as I know you love being down in Mexico … and you make light of your woes … while offering thoughts for us to consider. All the best for an easier 2023 … with thoughts – Hilary

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  30. Debby,

    You amaze me. You are a leader of the heart.
    I trust your trip to Mexico will bring inspiration to your work in your new book on grief. This is a life’s work.
    I’ve always said… I don’t need a lot of friends, I only need a few quality friendships.
    These have lasted over the decades.
    The rest are acquaintances… some dear, some for fun, and on. Their roles in my life are not to be belittled, but appreciated for what they are.

    However, your cubby was your best friend, as is mine.
    So, I follow your heart with mine.

    Wishing you all the best in 2023! xo 💙 ox

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    1. Thanks so much Resa. You are quite right. The universe always puts people in our lives. I call them for seasons or reasons. Some stay, some go, but lessons come from all of them. From my heart to yours, Happy, beautiful New Year Resa. ❤ xx

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  31. Recharge down in Mexico and do your best to enjoy yourself. I am sorry to learn of “friends” who were not. That was the last thing you needed. Be well and may all your plans be fruitful.

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  32. Debby, a deeply moving post and I am in awe of your achievements these past two years. Even showing up at the start of the day must be so hard at times. It is a blessing how writing has been there to carry you on – as well as some true friends. Oh my goodness, I feel for you last year in Mexico as the old friends showed their real nature! I look forward (if that is the right word) to reading your book about grief – it will be profound and a one to help so many, I’m sure. Wishing you good health (your husband was so right about this one!) and peace and an abundance of creativity in 2023. Hugs xx ❤️

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    1. Hi Annika. Thank you so much for your kudos and your lovely wishes. It’s been quite the journey, and many more life lessons along with. And I do hope that book (whenever it gets finished) will be a good one for many, as I know the many I’ve read on this journey have helped me in moving forward with my grief and learning to live with it, despite living with a hole in my heart.
      Hugs to you and Happy, Healthy New Year to you too. ❤ xx

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  34. It was a tough year but your inner strength surfaced. Congratulations on surpassing your goal on the Goodreads Challenge. Sometimes when I’m stressed, I can’t read. (weird I know). Enjoy your time in Mexico, you deserve it. Have a super 2023! xo

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    1. Thank you so much Darlene for your kind words. Isn’t it funny how we react to stess? I was like that the first few months of grief, I couldn’t concentrate on a book. And then, last summer, I didn’t want to do anything except get lost in grief books. ❤

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