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Navigating the Storm: Bidding Goodbye to the Year 2023
As the curtains draw on the tumultuous year of 2023, it’s only natural to reflect on the highs and lows that have shaped the past twelve months. For many, myself included, this year has been a rollercoaster of emotions, a journey marked by heartbreak, loss, and unexpected challenges. Today, I’ll delve into my personal medley of 2023—a year I wished I could erase, yet one that ultimately became a crucible for growth, resilience, and unexpected triumphs.
Embracing the Shadows
The year unfolded with a heavy blow as my father bid farewell, leaving a void that seemed impossible to fill. His prolonged suffering amplified the grief, casting a somber shadow over the entire family. The initial months blurred into a haze of mourning, funeral arrangements, and the weight of newfound responsibilities as the eldest child. In the face of this profound loss, the foundation of my world seemed to crumble, leaving me grappling with the fragility of life and the inevitability of farewells.
Navigating Heartbreak
As if fate revelled in testing our endurance, more heartbreak and tragedies ensued around me – a cherished friend met an untimely death and my uncle nearly died. Each blow felt like a relentless storm, threatening to drown us in sorrow. Yet by God’s grace, amidst the tempest, I found solace in the in the company of my best friend and was surprised by the resilience that emerged from within. The process of navigating heartbreak became a profound exercise in emotional strength, teaching me the invaluable lesson that even in the darkest moments, a glimmer of hope can guide us forward.
Professional Triumphs Amidst Turmoil
Strangely, my professional life became a refuge—a sanctuary where I could momentarily escape the storm raging in my personal sphere. Despite the emotional upheavals, I managed to complete my Masters in Psychology, a significant milestone that had been a longstanding goal. The pursuit of knowledge became a form of therapy, a way to channel grief into productivity. In the midst of personal chaos, I grew academically and clinically as a health professional.These tiny milestones illuminated a path toward personal growth and accomplishment.
Discovering the Healing Power of Books
Reading too became a therapeutic escape, a balm for the wounds inflicted by life’s trials.Keeping myself busy was important so I took up Blogchatter’s TBR Challenge. While immersing myself in the pages of books, I discovered a sanctuary where I could lose myself in different worlds, if only temporarily. Not only did I get to read some acclaimed and enriching works but also the power of literature to provide solace, empathy, and perspective proved instrumental in my healing journey. It became a reminder that, even in the darkest times, the human spirit can find refuge in the beauty of storytelling.
Gratitude and Gaining Perspective
As the year draws to a close, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the support and kindness extended by friends and loved ones. The hardships of 2023 acted as a filter, revealing the true nature of relationships. In bidding farewell to fair-weather friends, I gained a sense of clarity and discernment. The experience offered me an opportunity to re-evaluate priorities, fostering a deeper connection with those who stood by me during the storm.
Acceptance and Readiness to Move On
Acceptance, the elusive elixir of healing, gradually seeped into my consciousness. The year of trials became a crucible, forging resilience and inner strength. I’ve come to terms with the ebb and flow of life, recognizing that pain is an inevitable part of the human experience. The scars of 2023 serve as a testament to the battles fought, the wounds healed, and the wisdom gained.
As I reflect upon the highlights of 2023, it is evident that life’s tapestry is woven with threads of joy and sorrow, success and failure. The journey, though painful, has been transformative. Through the storm, I’ve emerged stronger, wiser, and more appreciative of the fleeting beauty inherent in every moment. While I may wish to erase the pain of 2023, I recognize that it has played a pivotal role in shaping the person I am today—a strong individual ready to embrace the unknowns of the future with newfound resilience and a heart filled with gratitude amd empathy.
With these words , I bid goodbye to 2023 !
This post is part of “The Year & You Blog Hop” hosted by Swarnali Nath.
#theyearandyou #mindfullness #lookingback #memories #gratitude #resilience #fortitude #bloghop #bloggers #2023 #reminescing #goodbye2023 #abetterlife #mindfullness #creatingmemories #theyearthatwentby #byebye2023 #blogchatterbloghop
29 responses
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Dear Preeti, your piece tells us a heartfelt account of loss, grief and overcoming the difficult phase slowly with time. It’s said time heals everything but I don’t believe it. However, we have to find our escape from the reality to find a momentary shelter to somewhere peaceful, and taking refuge in that realms of peace makes us even stronger. I am happy that you successfully finished your Masters. Here’s to more and more success and growth to you. Thank you for participating in the blog hop and sharing such a heart-touching piece. Your presence made it more glorious. Gratitude. Wishing you a year filled with love, hope, joy, smiles, and peace. Happy New Year in advance.
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All thanks to you Swarnali, for allowing me to bare my soul and write with honesty. The gain is all mine and i am grateful to you for it.
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My heartfelt condolences for your losses, Preeti. It is funny how we turn to the familiarity of daily routine for comfort in times of grief, when at other times we are tempted to escape this very routine. It’s good to know you’re powering through the pain with resilience. Congratulations on completing your masters. Wishing you a beautiful year of kindness ahead ❤️.
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Congratulations for your educational milestone. I strongly believe that some hardships introduce us to a much stronger “self” which is deep inside us. I am sure 2024 will bring a lot of moments for you to cherish. Wishing you a very happy new year in advance!!
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My heartfelt condolences for your losses, Preeti. I too often find comfort in keeping busy with the familiarity of daily routine when I’m feeling down. Congratulations on your masters, it is a proud feat. Wishing you a beautiful and kind year ahead. <3
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As Aparna said, hardships lay the foundation stone for success. Losing a dear one is one of the biggest challenges in life, we fail to adjust to. Still, life moves on, and gathering yourself up is the only alternative. Good to hear about your professional achievements!
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So sorry for the loss of your father. Books, work and working on yourself can be great ways not only to distract yourself from the pain, but to also find the gold behind the pain. Thank you Preeti for sharing.
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Masters in Psychology! That was my dream too, at one time. Of course, the goals have changed since then, but it is the need of the hour as we see a shift in eras. Not everything is lost ever, we go through a journey and books truly have healing power. More healthy years to you, Preeti.
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Thank you Ambica for being supportive and kind.
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Preeti,
Life is journey with several ups and downs and we are the ones who need to face such scenarios with confidence, boldness and immense mental strength to come out with flying colors.
Just look at you dear friend. You faced every happiness and sorrow, loss and gain with so much grace and dignity. I m confident wherever uncle is today he is proud of you.
Reading the whole post I can conclude that I witnessed the year 2023 journey of a very strong and confident friend of mine.
I am proud of you and sure to see more 🪶 on your hat 👒.
Go and win the world 🌎 no one can stop you.Much ❤
Samata -
My condolences to you and your loved ones for the losses. Your strength and resilience amidst such grief is inspiring.
I completely am with you when you say, “The power of literature to provide solace, empathy, and perspective proved instrumental in my healing journey. It became a reminder that, even in the darkest times, the human spirit can find refuge in the beauty of storytelling.”
Hoping that 2024 turns out better, filled with glory and happiness for you. -
I’m really sorry to hear about your loss Preeti. Facing tough times often reveals a stronger version of ourselves. Here’s hoping that 2024 brings you a bunch of wonderful moments! Speaking of masters, when my older sister pursued her psychology degree, I felt inspired to do the same. Life had different plans for me, though. Huge congratulations on achieving your master’s degree! Wishing you a year ahead filled with kindness and beauty. Cheers to your accomplishments!
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Thank you Anjali, Means a lot. I am quite positive now and hope to resurge.
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Sorry for your loss, Dr. Preeti.
Your father’s blessings are with you.
Congratulations for your triumphs- completing your Masters in Psychology & fulfilling your goal.
2023 has gone with its ups and downs and smiles and frowns.
Wishing you a super 2024!-
Thank you so much for your healing words of kindness, Anita.
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Extremely sorry to hear about your struggles last year. Stay strong and take care. Nothing in this world can ever fill the void of ‘parents in lives.’
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So sorry for you loss Preeti. This was a deeply moving share. You have turned your pain into strength so beautifully.
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My heartfelt condolences for your losses. At the same time I am glad to know that being an oldest one, you owned the responsibility and stood like a rock rather than slipping into shell. These testing time are the real teachers of our life, be the stronger version of yourself everyday. Sending the best wishes and vibes to you in this new year 2024.
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It is really terrible when a loved one leaves forever. I know as I lost my dad a week before I turned 12. It affected me for years. But it’s good that you are finding solace in some achievements and reading a lot. It needs strength to do anything when you are grieving. Tight hugs to you!
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Sorry to hear about your loss, Preeti. But I’m inspired by your resilience to move forward. Its not easy, of course. Good luck and praying that 2024 will be a good one for and bring you more reasons to smile.
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I am so sorry to hear about your loss and please accept my heartfelt condolences. Dealing with such pain is what changes a lot in us. I pass on a salute to you for accomplishing your goals in the very same year ! It takes immense resilience to do so. My best wishes are always with you.
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Sorry for the loss dear. Your dad would be there with you as an angel protecting you. Your heart embracing gratitude despite the pain is a miracle of its own. Lots of love to you.
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My Heartiest condolences for your losses, Preeti. But I was glad to know that you braved through the storm well. Books have the healing power. They help to absorb your pain and travel to unknown world. Wishing you all the best for 2024. May this year bring loads of happiness and peace.
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Your story of 2023 is touching Preeti. The way you faced challenges with strength and found solace in writing is inspiring. Wishing you more strength and healing in the future.
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Extremely sorry for your losses this year. I lost my dad 5 years ago and the void is still there. But the wound is slowly healing… Wish you the same. I am glad that your work was in some ways able to provide some positivity to your year. Wishing you a year full of peace and healing.
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Acceptance and readiness to go ahead is the most powerful step we all can take. And yes, books surely have the power to heal. May you get all the luck in 2024
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Your heartfelt reflection on the challenges and triumphs of the past year resonates deeply. Life’s journey, as you beautifully describe, is indeed a tapestry woven with threads of joy and sorrow. Your ability to navigate through the storms of 2023 with grace, resilience, and a commitment to personal growth is truly inspiring.
The way you articulate the pain of loss, heartbreak, and professional challenges is both honest and poignant. Your openness about the therapeutic power of literature and the refuge found in the pursuit of knowledge showcases a profound understanding of the healing journey.
Moreover, your acknowledgment of gratitude for the support and kindness extended by friends and loved ones is heartwarming. It’s in times of difficulty that true relationships are revealed, and your discernment in recognizing the genuine connections is commendable.
The acceptance you’ve found, the wisdom gained, and the readiness to embrace the unknowns of the future reflect a profound personal transformation. Your positive outlook and resilience in the face of adversity are truly admirable.
Wishing you a 2024 filled with new beginnings, continued growth, and an abundance of joy. May the lessons learned in 2023 serve as stepping stones to a brighter and more fulfilling future.
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Losing a parent is the toughest to accept and I hope slowly but surely you’ll be able to get over your loss, Preeti. You’ve emerged stronger despite all the challenges and that’s a great takeaway for the coming year. Hope there are good things awaiting you. Happy 2024!
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Your journey through 2023, marked by personal loss and heartbreak, showcases immense strength and resilience, Preeti. It’s inspiring to see how you found solace in professional accomplishments and the healing power of books. The reflections on gratitude and gaining perspective amid challenges reflect your profound growth. As you bid farewell to 2023, your acceptance and readiness to move forward with newfound resilience are commendable. Wishing you strength, wisdom, and a brighter journey ahead in 2024. Goodbye to 2023, and here’s to embracing the unknown with a heart full of gratitude.
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