Happy New Year! As we bid farewell to 2023, I’d be remiss not to partake in my usual end-of-year reflection.

It’s one of my favorite things about closing the book on last year’s chapter and beginning anew.

Being that the calendar has turned yet again, I invite you to join me on my annual trip down memory lane.

This year has certainly been many things, but if I were to sum it up in one word, that word would be: “OK”.

OK, but perhaps not in the way you might think.

OK, not implying conformity or the decision to settle for less, but OK as in a beautiful acceptance.

I was recently shown an image of a large circle representing life, with a much smaller circle inside it, symbolizing the aspects of life within my control. 

This visual couldn’t be more timely. 2023 taught me the power of accepting the immovable elements of life, because that little area I can control gives life to some incredible things.  

When we focus on what’s ours, we empower ourselves.

It’s OK to Be Different

2023 was a year of stepping out of my comfort zone, engaging with people vastly different from me, and realizing the true power of individuality.

It wasn’t about conforming to be like others, even those who are very accomplished.

Instead, it was about understanding and celebrating my unique qualities and measuring success by my own metrics.

This year taught me that it’s not only ok to be different—it’s a strength to be celebrated. 

It’s OK to Walk Away and Embrace New Paths

2023 taught me the art of letting go—reshuffling my daily tasks, how I spend my time and with whom I spend it, —even where I live.

There’s a certain freedom in trusting that gut feeling which nudges you away from all that doesn’t serve you.

Change, though daunting, is a necessary part of growth and self-discovery. 

It’s OK to Take Risks 

2023 reminded me that sometimes things go wrong.

I took chances this year—some soared, others didn’t, and that’s perfectly ok.

Each risk, whether it led to success or provided a lesson, was a valuable step forward. This mindset sets the standard that the only way to lose is to not go at all.

It’s OK to Feel, It’s OK to Rebuild

Over the past 12 months I experienced some emotions I’d rather not have and faced less-than-ideal outcomes.

But 2023 showed me that what truly matters is my response to these moments. The year taught me the importance of holding onto my core self and moving forward with conviction. 

Embracing “It’s OK” as a Mantra of Strength

2023 was a masterclass in understanding that life is so much better, happier, and liberating when we stop fighting invisible monsters.

When we stop resisting and instead look to master that little piece of life that is ours to control. 

Make your mistakes, explore the fringes of life, and understand that not everything and everyone will align with your journey—and that’s perfectly OK.

These realizations help us move closer to what we need most.

Everything that happens can be an opportunity for us to be grateful for the experiences and accept the value that the journey brings.

So 2023, thank you for another journey around the sun. Thank you for the hellos, the goodbyes, the wins and the lessons, thank you for the places I used to call home, and the stories they gifted me.

What it all means, I still don’t know exactly, but as I’ve learned in your classroom 2023, it’s OK.

Live Inspired

Eddie

A Letter to 2023