2023 feels like opportunity, creativity, growth, and expansion. I’ve always been the kind of person that enjoys growing, learning, and exploring. However, once the pandemic hit, it felt as if I got caught in a cycle of boredom, sadness, and introversion. That’s a lot to include in a public blog post, but one of the things I’ve learned over the years is that my transparency and vulnerability can often be my biggest strength.

During the initial outbreak of COVID-19 that lead to a lock down for several months in 2020, I was unemployed and receiving those massive unemployment checks. I was able to get ahead, financially, and spend time with my best friend, whom I had just recently gotten an apartment with, which was fantastic. However, there was a sadness that came during that time. It could have been the “racial awakening” as many have called it, or truthfully put, the unjust murder of George Floyd. It could have also been the mass protests that followed, some of which I participated in. Or maybe, it was even the fact that we were stuck in the house and forced to deal with all of the things we usually avoid through things like retail therapy or brunching with friends. My vote is: all the above.

2020 was a ROUGH YEAR.

Let’s just be completely transparent about that. I think because of how rough of a year it was, I automatically expected, wanted, and hoped for the years following to be much better. To my surprise…they weren’t. I tried to force a new narrative – that COVID would end in 2021, that I’d magically become rich in 2021, that I’d instantly lose all the “lock-down weight” I’d gained in 2021, and here’s the kicker: that I’d heal from all of the emotional, family, and childhood trauma I had been avoiding for years, you guessed it- in 2021.

This forced expectation and controlled change caused that introversion and sadness to extend over the next two years. I was so focused on “no longer being sad” and how life could be better than it was, currently, that I subconsciously forced myself to believe that the “right now” isn’t good enough. Sure, the fact that it is 2023 and COVID is still prominent isn’t the greatest thing. However, I am alive and healthy. My parents are alive and healthy. My bills are paid and majority of the time, I do have a smile on my face. For a lack of better words,

Life is good, regardless.

Once I realized that I could really focus on all the blessings in life instead of the pains of life, my perspective shifted almost immediately. I began to cherish spending time with my family and friends more and showing myself more grace and compassion. I became my own best friend and really learned how to relinquish control.

With all that said, this year I believe will be my best yet – not because I’m forcing that narrative – but because I am enjoying every aspect of my life and embracing all of the sides of me God created.

Cheers to 2023!

Love,

Official Justyce