2023, A Year in Review

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2023: A Year of Highs, Lows, and Everything In Between

2023 has been a weird one. I think I was forced to contend with a little bit of everything this year – some spectacular moments and several underwhelming ones. If you asked me to rate it, I’d probably just say, it’s been alright.

The Weight of Time

For starters, I feel old. Not in the clichéd "older and wiser" sense, but genuinely tired. Most days, it felt like my battery was draining faster than it could recharge. For the first time, I can admit to experiencing both physical and mental wear. I had to unplug from social media and news more often just to regain a sense of control. I needed help navigating bouts of anxiety and self-doubt. Toxic workplace culture and grappling with solitude took a toll on my mental health. Oh, and a third round of COVID didn’t help. Thankfully, I recovered quickly, but the first half of the year felt overwhelmingly fragile.

Small Steps, Big Impact

Self-awareness has always been a strength of mine. When things start to spiral, I can usually sense it and make adjustments. My annual health checkups showed my numbers weren’t as bad as I’d feared. Maybe that was the push I needed. I started logging miles again, and with every run, I felt pieces of the puzzle fall back into place. I’ve written before about the importance of hobbies, and this year reminded me how grounding they can be.

Running, for me, is cathartic. It resets my emotions, clears my mind, and helps me focus on what’s within my control. I’m not going to claim I’ve mastered my emotions, but I definitely have a better handle on them. I’ve learned not to react immediately but to slow down and respond thoughtfully.

This year, I achieved a personal milestone by logging the highest number of miles in a calendar year. Instead of front-loading my efforts and tapering off later, I aimed for consistency month after month. The pace improved as temperatures dropped towards the end of the year, but the focus was always on steady progress. I’m proud of this achievement and excited to build on it in 2024.

A Year of Words and Stories

2023 was also my most prolific year for reading. Here are my top five books:

  1. A Gentleman in Moscow – Amor Towles

  2. Annihilation of Caste – B.R. Ambedkar

  3. The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich – William Shirer

  4. Kimetsu No Yaiba (Demon Slayer) Manga Series

  5. The Cabinet of Curiosities – Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child

A Gentleman in Moscow was a masterpiece. Reading about a character with unshakable ethics and values in today’s world was deeply moving. Annihilation of Caste was raw, brutal, and unapologetically honest. It’s haunting how relevant Ambedkar’s warnings remain relevant today. Shirer’s Rise and Fall of the Third Reich was an epic historical deep dive, and I couldn’t help but notice unsettling similarities with modern-day political trends.

On a lighter note, The Cabinet of Curiosities delivered mystery and thrills in abundance. And Demon Slayer was a delightful escape into the world of manga, thanks to my niece’s recommendation.

Moments That Stood Out

  • Track and Field: Sydney McLaughlin, Shericka Jackson, and Faith Kipyegon shattered records. Kipchoge’s marathon record falling was a jaw-dropping moment. The 2024 Olympics are going to be electrifying.

  • Formula 1: Max Verstappen was untouchable. Mercedes and Ferrari have their work cut out for them, and I’m rooting for Lewis Hamilton to reclaim his throne.

  • Tennis: Novak Djokovic dominated, but Carlos Alcaraz’s Wimbledon victory over him was bittersweet.

  • Animation: From Demon Slayer to The Witcher to Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, the sheer quality was mind-blowing.

  • Music: Morgan Wallen became a favorite, SZA was breathtaking, and Anirudh cemented his status as a top-tier music artist.

Looking Ahead

I deliberately avoided delving into the political chaos that shook the world this year. Maybe it’s an act of self-preservation, or maybe I’m just choosing to focus on the good as we close out the year. Either way, hope remains essential – hope for order amidst chaos, hope for a better tomorrow, and hope for purpose in our lives.

So here’s to another year. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Cheers to 2024!

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