Like me, some of you may be more than ready to wave 2023 goodbye. I disliked 2023 more than any other year so far including the year of COVID. I experienced two flats within the same month (sorry big brother!) and replaced my engine. While dealing with unexpected car issues, my family came to the realization that there are some things modern medicine can’t fix or prevent. My mother passed away in September after a year and a half battle with lung cancer. There is no preparing for the loss of a loved one, expected or unexpected. Sadly, this made me the second person at the firm who lost their mother this year. Now, working at an estate planning and probate firm meant that we were both better equipped than most to deal with the business side of things. Emotionally, we leaned on the support of our tight knit office, family and friends. As adults, we all strive to just push through versus processing.
I get to know the majority of our clients very well, which is a part of my job I enjoy immensely. I have always thought of myself as an empathetic person but experiencing a loss has made me even more aware of the emotional turmoil they’re experiencing. One very important thing is to remember to be patient with ourselves. Whether you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, long term care planning or getting your estate plan updated, it can be an overwhelming amount of information to process. Plus, if you’re prone to internet searches then you’ll quickly disappear into the black hole of Google. I have moments where I’m convinced I can do it all and that I do not need to ask for help. I will just struggle silently but really I need to take a moment to breathe and cut myself some slack.
At the start of each year, we all begin thinking about resolutions and things we’ve been putting off which need to be done. The great majority of people always put something like ‘get healthy’ or ‘exercise more’ on their resolution. If that is you, you’re not alone. My current goal is to wear boots that don’t require a wide calf. Yes, my resolution is that specific and ridiculous. And attainable! Well, I hope it’s attainable….my calves did use to be smaller so in theory…
I am not going to go into 2024 with unrealistic expectations such as ‘2024 will be my year! The year of Rachel!’. I just want 2024 to have fewer life altering events than 2023. I’d like to take a vacation (everyone here will tell you I’m a workaholic control freak) and to be able to shut my brain off. I’ve got a slew of nieces and nephews from 5 years old to almost 19 (YIKES) to help. They’re becoming real people in their own right and hopefully, I’ll be able to assist them with that.
My personal mantra is ‘patience is a virtue’ which gets very annoying, very fast for my friends. Still, as you look towards 2024 I hope that you consider patience when making your goals. If you have also had a rough 2023 then join me in saying Bye Felicia!
