It’s tempting to say this year was filled with nothing but loss — the deaths of my brother-in-law, my mother-in-law, and a friend/critique partner, plus parting ways with my agent. But that’s not the whole story.
I’m in a much better place than I was a year ago as I dealt with the resurfacing of a childhood trauma. I did a lot of work with my therapist in the first half of this year and am much stronger and more centered. That’s a huge win.
This past year I also took my first-ever solo camping trip which made me nervous to contemplate (see above), and ended up having a glorious time.
And while I’m not one to make New Year’s resolutions, I did want to continue my Hoop Dancing Challenge tradition. In 2021, I hoop-danced for just over 24 hours. And this year? Well, I logged 27 hours and 11 minutes!
Here I am this afternoon with my trusty hoop that brings me so much joy. I’m incredibly grateful to have this outlet, especially on days when it’s a struggle to get out of bed to face another day of our harsh reality. But music and movement kept me going. Hooray for funk!
Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year! Don’t forget to dance in 2023!
Tracy Abell 
I am so sorry about your losses in 2022. Wishing you Happiness & Health in The New Year Tracy! 🙅😴🛌🕛
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Thank you, Cindy. Sending best wishes for you and yours in 2023!
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Happy New Year’s, Tracy! I’m glad you’ve managed to find some sense of balance through the trauma and the loss.
That is so cool that you did a solo camping trip! I finally got around to reading The Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard. Such a great book! I know there are many great books out there, it’s always such a challenge to find the time to read them! This book resonated with me in the same way that Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass did. Another good one is Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature and Spirit by Lyanda Lynn Haupt. It’s a small book and the Author is local to me. While I don’t always agree with her opinions, I respect her point of view. Her book also has lovely little illustrations at the beginning of each chapter that feel like small gifts. Take care!
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Thank you, Melanie, for the kind words and for the book recommendations. I just checked out Mozart’s Starling by LLH and am looking forward to reading it.
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So sorry for your multiple losses. Grief upon grief is very difficult to cope with. Glad you had some positives to balance that out. Happy New Year!
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Thank you for the kind words. Wishing you and yours a good and healthy 2023!
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“Happier” new year, Tracy. I had missed the post about your solo camping trip for your birthday. Such an awesome way to mark that milestone!
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Thank you much, Becky. Wishing you a good week!
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You too!
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