2022 was certainly more fun than 2020 and 2021. Although COVID is still an issue, it is not the issue that it was the previous two years. Travel picked up, seeing people in-person picked up, and the year progressed in a way that I didn’t expect after the rather stressful start. The Omicrom variant really put a damper on the end of 2021 and the beginning of this year. A lot of us, myself included, were going a little stir crazy and ready to be with other people.

This was such a mixed bag of a year for me and my family. My youngest son graduated from college and moved into his own apartment. My daughter signed a lease to stay in NYC for at least another year and got herself a nice big promotion at work. My oldest son and his wife kept busy in Indianapolis, with her building a recruiting career and my son working on completing his doctorate, and by their side for all of it was their little fur baby, Toshi.

My husband and I traveled this year and we both turned sixty. At the same time, our house became a true empty nester’s house with our youngest moving out and our sweet dog, Ginger, finishing her time here on earth. Life has offered me such a variety of experiences and I’ve worked to embrace them all, yet often I’m nostalgic for what was. I miss the chaos of three kids at home and a wild puppy chasing after them. I miss the daily connection with my children and knowing the intricacies of their days and their lives.

My dog was such a source of companionship over these last two years. Now, without her, I often find myself lonely and without the purpose that dependent beings can bring to one’s life. On the other side of that is freedom, and I do love freedom. For the first time in almost thirty years, I’m only responsible for myself and periodically my husband. I’ve been able to focus on my career, my marriage, my friends, and my own hobbies. That has also been extremely enjoyable.

Working on Progress (Not Perfection) in 2023

2022 has reminded me that life is a series of events and I get to decide the meaning of all of those events. I’ve worked hard to experience all of it without judgment and with the belief that every situation offers growth and learning, even those that are painful. Turning sixty has led me to be more aware of the passage of time and what I want to accomplish and how I want to be during that time. I take things far less seriously than I used to and I look to laugh and have more fun than ever before.

I’ve worked to be more present each day. To be, rather than just to do. I’m still working on being less judgmental, less angry at the political divide in our country, and more open to varying points of view. I have lots of opportunities to improve in that area! Most of all, as this year comes to a close, I am profoundly grateful for my life, for good health for me and my family, and for all of the experiences and opportunities that life has brought my way. I’m grateful to those of you who read this blog and for your comments that are always kind and uplifting. Life is sweet as I’ve surrounded myself with dear friends and colleagues and I’m ready for the adventure of 2023. Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Love,

Lisa Kaplin Psy. D. PCC