Entry #024 - Yearly Wrap-Up

Yearly Wrap-Up

Wow, it has almost been one full year since my last blog entry! A lot has happened in a year.

In my previous wrap-up entry, I discussed many of feelings of depression and anxiety, and general unwellness. I am blessed to report that my life has seen substantial improvements since then!

Work / Employment

One surprising thing I'd like to share is that I've not only kept my weird bakery job for over a year, but I've actually been promoted to a shift lead position, and I genuinely enjoy working there! My manager and my co-workers are my chosen family at this point. I LOVE the people I surround myself with for ≈30-40 hours each week. (Yes, my hours have improved as well!) Our crew has dwindled down to a handful of very cool individuals that I am lucky to have in my life.

Personal Growth

Around 12-13 months ago, I was invited by my mom to attend a bi-monthly spiritual wellness class with her. That first day at class was the catalyst that kickstarted my spiritual journey which I never expected to embark on.

Every other Sunday is spent in the company of wise witches, shamans, and souls from all walks of life. We gather, we share, we learn, and we grow all together, and it's the most important thing I've ever done for myself. Learning how to become the best version of myself has made me a better husband, a better friend, and a better son. It feels like group therapy without all the extra steps.

The knowledge I acquire in class has helped tremendously with every aspect of my life, but it especially helps me at work. Understanding how to be "in it but not of it" is what gets me through the day smoothly. Seeing a piece of myself in every person I encounter helps me to be kinder. RESPONDING rather than reacting helps, too, especially in cases of dealing with Karens.

Socialization

Another thing that has gradually changed in my life is the way I socialize. I've found myself being more selective about the people I extend my time and energy towards.

In my teens and early twenties, I was a party animal through and through. I put myself into many unfavorable situations in exchange for drugs and adventure. I used to drink so much that I even got formally diagnosed with alcoholism lol! I did not have boundaries with the folks that came in and out of my life for a very long time, and that was completely my own fault.

Every person is 100% responsible for their own life. Only YOU can control and decide what you do with your life. Pick yourself up and figure it out.

These days I greatly prefer to be in the company of healed, calm people with good intentions. That is not to say that I don't care about loved ones who are struggling, but I no longer enable or reward their poor behavior.

Manifestation

"Manifestation is the power of positive thinking and the law of attraction. It means to make your dreams, goals, and aspirations a reality by believing you can achieve them."

I had typed out an entire paragraph that went into detail about the amazing things I have manifested over the past 3 years, but I decided that it didn't come across very humbly, so I erased it. Please just know that the very best thing you can do for yourself is to seize good opportunities whenever and wherever you can. Learn to trust your intuition wholly. Show gratitude when your needs are fulfilled. ♥

Important Life Events

It just occurred to me that today is a perfect day for expressing gratitude for the amazing year I've had, as today is Yule! The winter solstice marks the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year. (Yule is celebrated with many different rituals, and by doing your inner work.)

2023 has treated me well and I am especially grateful for...

my peaceful and ever-fulfilling marriage
the privilege of buying a new, reliable car
my growing bonds with friends and co-workers
my improved health
the knowledge I have gained
finally meeting 4 of my longtime internet friends!

Published by 𝗭𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗢