Reflections on the Year: Looking Back and Leaning Forward

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Last Updated on December 26, 2023 by The Smetz Files

In this post I reflect on learnings from 2023 and set intentions for 2024.

Where to begin?

I’ve spent the last several weeks looking at reflective questions and prompts to gather my thoughts as I look back at 2023.

There were many bright spots. There were points of frustration. There were new opportunities, new growth, and new learning.

A year ago

When I think back to this time last year, I was frustrated, irritated, and truthfully scared. I felt cheated out of a joyous holiday season with our kids because Jay had been so sick and our world had been so upside down last December. 

And while The Smetz Files was certainly a dream, it felt all too distant in the haze that was Jay’s health concerns in late 2022. 

But with the new year came new beginnings and hope in many ways. Jay began feeling better after his final surgery and instantly our spirits lifted. Of course we were cautiously optimistic, but a year later he’s still doing well and the debilitating headaches are a thing of the past.

The Smetz Files

I spent much of January fervently learning how to start a blog, design a website, and begin shaping my content. The Smetz Files really took shape with lots of support from Jay and a close friend. Naturally I’m still learning a lot about SEO, how to write consistently, and using social media as a tool to share my blog. 

When The Smetz Files went live in February it was intimidating to feel so vulnerable and share my personal writing with the world. Well, maybe not the world, but to those who read my blog! 🙂 It’s been a fun adventure to lean into my personal writing.

Moreover, I accomplished one of my original intentions for blogging: connecting with other moms and readers around the country who were experiencing similar things. That is by far the best part of sharing my simple musings!

Dimpled Duo

Sadly S spent much of the late winter and early spring battling strep throat. She was sick on and off  for six weeks and it greatly impacted her school attendance and training schedule at the gym.

Ultimately, I think this was the initial seed that prompted her to re-evaluate her commitment to competitive gymnastics. By early May she approached us about pursuing other interests in lieu of training 15 hours a week. It was a big decision to step away from the sport she’d been so successful in and try something new. She wanted to try tennis and softball, so she did. This winter she added basketball to her repertoire and it’s been great fun to see her excel at new things. I’m super grateful to see her learn new things and adapt to new situations.

G kept us busy on the baseball diamond as he played some variation of rec ball, travel ball, and all stars, often simultaneously! Finding the right fit for him to continue to develop, grow, and contribute to a team has been an ongoing decision for us. This fall he settled on a travel team with great kids and families and he’s where he needs to be to continue pursuing his dream.

He started basketball again this winter for the first time since the pandemic and it’s been fun to see him work on his skills and conditioning on the court. With flag football still to come in January, I’m going to make good use of the heated blankets and winter gear I got for Christmas! 🙂

Soaking up the Small Moments

I’ve spent more time than ever diligently trying to soak up the moments with my dimpled duo. Time is a thief. It feels as though time with them is evaporating each day. And in reality, it is.

G finishes elementary school this year and I’m all in my feelings about him going to middle school. I find myself listening and observing more. When we’re in the car I listen to what’s weighing on their minds, enjoy a song with them, and just generally enjoy their presence. 

I read on social media that a child told her mother their teacher said you write about the small moments. And it reminded me to soak up the small moments with my two. It also made me want to write the moments down so I can remember them in years to come. I find myself stopping and enjoying their conversations, even as a casual observer when the two of them are talking. 

Saying No

2023 was the year of saying no to things that took me away from focusing on family time. For the first time in a long time I consciously made a commitment to not overcommit. I said, ‘no, thank you’ to some opportunities that I would otherwise have accepted and tried to cram into our already busy lives. It was freeing and I encourage you to try it if you find yourself maxed out and overextended. The freedom outweighs the guilt.

They say with age comes wisdom and perhaps I’m finally old enough to get smart about some things! I’ve been more conscious about being present, especially with the kids. I also committed to my health and fitness more seriously than I have in years. My birthday gift to myself was consistently working out and eating cleaner. I am by no means perfect, but I can see the fruits of my labor and I feel good about that. I am certainly motivated to continue the journey in 2024. 

Did I answer all the reflective questions I researched? No, not really!

But I leave 2023 with renewed commitment and intentions for continuing some of the things I established this year. 

Intentions

I intend to focus on progress over perfection.

I intend to be present in the moment with my family and loved ones.

I intend to continue writing and seeking new ways to deepen my craft.

I intend to maintain my fitness and health routines.

I’d like to play more tennis in 2024.

Above all, I pray for my family’s continued health, happiness, and safety. I lift this up each night, both as  a prayer of gratitude for all we’ve been granted, but also a prayer for our future blessings. 

Wishing you health, happiness, and prosperity in the year ahead,

Smetz