2023: Year in Review

Jacaranda season at Elkington Park

In 2023 year I had made it my intention to “focus back on reflection and reignite my mind. I want to read more or listen to more audiobooks and podcasts to find inspiration to ponder and feel.”

As part of a method to help regularly reflect, I added a quick daily gratitude space in my digital planner that I had designed. Without having to commit to time to write complete journal entries, and with the ability to add photos easily since I’ve moved to digital bullet journaling, I think it has helped me be more positive.

Looking back at monthly reflections and highlights, I can say that life has had a positive turn compared to the last few years I’ve had.

Life has had a positive turn compared to the last few years I’ve had.

This year has been more stable. I’ve been less sick, I’ve gotten more sleep. D’s gotten older and has better control of his emotions. I’ve learnt to be more patient, be less strict and become less stressed. He’s becoming more independent and sleeping through regularly and I feel like I’m regaining my energy. I even joined a work badminton group and attended HIIT classes, though it haven’t been as consistent as I would like.

I have managed to continue to keep up with the connection focus of the previous year, but with attending more kids birthdays, they have given reason to see friends that I hadn’t seen as often. I even made the effort to make a new friend. I’ve been consistent with playdates and it’s been lovely to see D’s relationships grow and playing more collaboratively with friends, rather than playing in parallel. With Covid truly over, I have also gone on a few trips and made plenty of memories filled with weekend adventures.

The biggest hardship experienced this year was the period where I didn’t have the support of my in-laws to help look after D for a few days a week, and I had to juggle work and childcare simultaneously for 6 weeks. Though, whilst it was difficult and stressful trying to juggle both, I did get to spend more time with D which was nice.

Here’s a recap of 2023.

Media

I like to review what I’ve listened to or read over the past year as it is a good indicator of my current interest or where my head is at.

Podcasts

Level Asian is a new podcast that I have listened to this year and I have enjoyed hearing all the relatable stories from Asian Australians. It feels so close to home also knowing that it hosted by south-westies and many of the guests talk about the places that I grew up in.

Books/Audiobooks

  • Simu Liu - We were Dreamers

  • Trevor Noah - Born a Crime

  • Prince Harry - Spare

  • Jay Shetty - 8 Rules of Love

  • Gabor Mate, Gordon Neufeld - Hold on to Your Kids

  • 3 x fiction books

I managed to do a bit more reading/audiobook listening this year, probably due to the increased time in the car commuting. This year, I have enjoyed more autobiographies and even got a few fictional books in. I have made use of the library’s BorrowBox app which gives me access to their collection audiobooks and ebooks as well as discovered Spotify’s audiobook library since I’m a premium member.

Memories

First time seeing snow with D.

Trips

  • A weekend away to Picton, visiting the Festival of Steam in Thirlmere, Mowbray Park Farm and checking out the Early Start Discovery Space in Wollongong.

  • D’s first snow trip for Perisher with friends. I had not been to the snow in 5 years.

  • D’s first cruise

A quick stop off a Moreton Island

Celebrations

There were many celebrations this year:

  • My sister’s wedding

  • D’s first birthday party with friends

  • 10 x kids birthdays

  • 1 x baby shower and welcoming a friend’s new baby

  • 2 x engagement parties

  • 2 x engagement announcements

  • 4 x Christmas celebrations

Shows/Expos

We went to see quite a few shows and expos this year:

  • Monster Jam

  • Jurassic Park

  • Transport Expo

  • The Great Train Show

  • Blackpink - My first KPop concert

Blackpink in your area

Festivals

I got to attend a few cultural festivals:

  • Lunar New Year

  • Festival of Steam

  • Vivid Festival

  • Wow Festival

  • Auburn Spring Festival

  • Moon Festival

Places

Other weekend adventures included visits to

I always pictured family life with weekend bike rides.

  • Fire Museum and riding a vintage fire truck

  • Powerhouse Museum

  • Blue Mountains

  • Pump tracks: Wylde and Barden Ridge

  • Discovering new parks and beachs: Fairfield Adventure Park, Sir Joseph Banks Park, Elkington Park, Carss Bush Park, Stanwell Park Beach, Bulli Rockpools

Career

I did not have many aspirations career-wise this year, however, I did manage to achieve some progress. I was successful in a salary progression, learnt new skills as I developed an idea for an app and dashboard for the team and improved processes, and was successful in my application for a secondment in a new role for next year. I achieved my 5 year long service in my current role so I am looking forward to trying something new in the new year.

Finance

Whilst this year, the cost of living and interest rates increased our expenses, employment stability and pay increases helped to offset the costs. We hit a milestone in our net worth since I started tracking it in 2019. Towards the latter end of 2022, I made a 20-year long-term investment plan, and after a year, it is reassuring to see that it is tracking well.


Without being too ambitious with goals this year, it has been quite a year full of making memories, reflection and gratitude and hopefully, it is a sign that I am moving past that dip in the road I had experienced the past few years.

It has been quite a year full of making memories, reflection and gratitude

Instead of stressing on trying to keep everything in control and parent a certain way, I have let go of expectations and gone with the flow. I have been more present and taking it slower to enjoy what I have and keeping my connections strong. My emotional and mental health has definitely benefitted and I hope to continue having this outlook in the new year.