Grief and Gratitude Are a Powerful Pair

I love end-of-year reviews and setting new intentions and goals for a new year. It’s like buying a notebook and markers for a new school year full of possibilities. Recently I listened to The Lazy Genius podcast episode 344, Kendra Gets Personal. During the program, Kelly Corrigan asked Kendra Adachi three questions to help her (and us) reflect on 2023 and consider what can make 2024 better.

  • What’s changed in you that you’re proud of?
  • Who do you miss?
  • What’s something you’re really glad happened in 2023?

How Did I Change in 2023?

I began 2023 with the word fun as my theme. I intended to learn new things, live generously, and make connections. Guess what? I actually made changes and choices that made my year feel more fun!

Reading

I read and listened to a lot more books this year, and that was due to a choice and change. I chose to read more fiction by different authors just for fun. (Typically, I read nonfiction.) I also started checking out both the audio and paper versions of the same book at the same time from my library. During the day while I was busy moving around, I listened to the book. Later, when I settled into a chair for the evening, I picked up the book. I loved the back-and-forth between audio and visual! During November and December, my husband and I used this method to read through Jeffrey Archer’s Clifton Chronicles. Most recently I listened to Kelly Corrigan’s memoirs, The Middle Place and Glitter and Glue. Kelly’s books are proof that the difficult times in life do indeed include many blessings; grief and gratitude are a powerful pair.

Travel

My husband and I visited several fun places this year, and water was the overarching theme. In June we visited Mackinac Island and Drummond Island in Michigan. Our favorite day trip turned into an overnight stay on the shores of Lake Pepin in Minnesota. Lastly, and definitely the best, was a trip along the north shore of Minnesota, visiting eight state parks to enjoy the majesty of Lake Superior and magnificent waterfalls, including High Falls and Gooseberry Falls.

Mackinac Island harbor and blooming lilacs on the shore
Two boats sailing on Lake Pepin, Lake City, Minnesota
High Falls, Grand Portage State Park, Minnesota - Grief and Gratitude
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse

Quilting

Spending time quilting is always fun, and this year I made and gave a lot of gifts.

The Peace on Earth quilt was fun to make! I joined a four-day sew-along with Lissa Alexander and Susan Ache at the beginning of December and used their Blueprint pattern from their Celebrate With Quilts book (affiliate link). The fabric is Cheer and Merriment, which includes the pretty Christmas carol panels. Angie from Taylored Quilting beautifully quilted it for me — it’s stunning!

I’m Glad THIS Happened in 2023

While I focused on having fun this year, my husband focused on preparing our farm for a reunion with his five siblings. We had a great time with his brother, four sisters, and all the in-laws. Our kids also came to visit with their aunts and uncles, who live in places across the United States. It was worth all the planning and preparation to make this gathering possible. Best of all, it spurred me on to invite more extended family to come over for a visit and invite new friends into our home.

Grief and Gratitude

We had some difficult health news in our family late this year. Although that reality weighs heavily on our minds, we remain grateful for every good day. We’ve determined to consider what’s worth wanting and align our priorities accordingly. Contentment is high on our list. My husband and I treasure our time together at home, often spending time pursuing our creative endeavors. Plus, we plan to spend time with friends and family who we miss, especially after moving to a new community during the pandemic.

I encourage you to listen to The Lazy Genius podcast linked above. I was encouraged to think about 2024 differently. It’s not about what I can accomplish or improve, but rather how I can be a better human.

Joyfully,

Tracie