January 1, 2023

What to say about 2022? Of course, I am only speaking for myself here, but I had a great year. Although I have been sick for the last two weeks, I shouldn't let something like not-COVID overshadow my whole year. (Long story short, I had similar symptoms but kept getting negative test results.) 2022 was the year I found joy in writing (and reading) again, and I will be forever thankful to my family, friends, and Vocal+ for that.

Now it is 2023, and like anyone else, I have my long list of goals and things I want to accomplish. But, trying not to be the person overly obsessed with a checklist for the whole year, my main focus is on the following five:

1. Release 'instead of therapy'. I have mentioned this project a few times on my Vocal+ profile and social media but have been making excuses for not publishing it. 'It's too short.' 'I want to wait for these specific people to read it.' 'It's not perfect.' When really, I am just scared. This project is a collection of poems about my struggle with my mental health, something that I don't talk with people about. It features me at my most vulnerable, and to those who know me best, I hate being vulnerable. So, I am reminding myself that vulnerability isn't a show of weakness; it is a show of strength.
2. Post stories that aren't linked to a current challenge. This is not me saying that connecting stories and articles to a challenge is wrong; it's not. I love the challenges because they push me out of my comfort zone. But, as I looked back at what I posted this past year, I could only find one poem that I didn't link to a challenge. I have many ideas but allowed myself to fall victim to only writing because of a challenge. Now, and I don't have any shame for doing this, I will be looking back at completed challenges for inspiration. I also will be editing old stories without worrying about a word limit.
3. Posting something to my social media every Friday, be it Instagram or TikTok, or both. I felt I did okay for only having accounts (only for my writing) for a few months, but I think I could do better. Part of that means planning and creating posts in advance. (That is going to be a struggle.) Of course, they will be times when it will be hard for me to keep up (emergencies, vacations, sickness, etc.), but otherwise, I hope to post every Friday. (Or maybe I'll shoot for once a week, depending on the week.)
4. Read dystopian fiction. If the Behind The Last Window challenge taught me anything, I don't know much about dystopian fiction. I have heard of it and books that consist of such, but I never took an interest in dystopia (or utopia). Looking it up on the internet is helpful, but reading it would be even more useful. I also had a family member insist on me reading some to help me out, and because I misread the due date on submissions (and thought I didn't have the time), I didn't. I really should have; I wouldn't have struggled so much. Comment with some suggestions below because the only books coming to my mind are the Hunger Games series.
5. Write or read almost every day. I'm shooting for every day, but I don't want to put too much pressure on myself. It is the advice I see and hear the most, and it's about time I follow it. Thankfully, I have a list of stories I am planning and books on my TBR list. Again, if anyone has any ideas or books I should read, leave a comment.

As the first day of 2023 is coming to an end, I am hopeful and anxious about the new year (as I am every year). While I have plenty I hope to accomplish this year, my biggest hope is to continue falling further in love with writing and reading. I know it sounds cheesy and kind of cliche, but, well, it's true. You don't realize the impact something has on your life until it is gone.