“Life, it could change, it could change in a day
La, da-da-da-da, la, da-da-da-da
So cherish your years and just roll with the waves
La, da-da-da-da, la, da-da-da-da
Time doesn’t hear, so roll with the waves,”
~Imagine Dragons, Waves
As suspected, I have not had much time to write any blog posts since I started my counseling program online this fall. I’ve been busy reading, writing, working on group projects and taking quizzes. I have loved every single second of it! So while I miss blogging, I’m thoroughly enjoying this new direction in my life.
Since we are at the start of Thanksgiving week (and I have the week off school), I wanted to take stock of alllllllll the good that I have experienced in 2022. Let’s take a look back…
I have to say, what a difference a year makes! Man, this has been such a good year.
2022 has been the year of the concerts! I had the pleasure of seeing Imagine Dragons (in Pittsburgh for Tommy’s 10th birthday and in London, ON with Canadian friends), Glass Animals in Nashville, NKOTB, OneRepublic, Mat Kearney, The Script, Snow Patrol, Halsey, Our Lady Peace and local shows too! I am beyond grateful for all of these amazing, incredible, joyful experiences. Time stands still for me at concerts. I said yes to every show this year and I have zero regrets.
2022 has been the year of “baby pink” hair. No, it is not a midlife crisis. But I’ve always looked good in pink, so I added it to my hair! I love it. It’s fun and playful and not over-the-top. New is fun!
2022 has been the year we FINALLY (after nearly 40 years) elected a Democratic majority in Michigan. Women’s bodily autonomy was codified here as well. Thank goodness for some common sense. Now let’s get some gun laws passed and save some lives!!!
2022 has been the year of the most fun hangouts with my Royal Oak girl friends. No matter what it was — a birthday, book club meeting, trivia night, drag queen bingo, the school road rally, a backyard barbecue, breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, happy hour, Friendsgiving or a party at my house the night my ex got re-married and my darling child donned a tuxedo for the first time — there have been endless smiles and laughs. My heart is full.
2022 has been the year of self-care. I’m not just talking about pedicures and massages, though I absolutely made time for those. I finally took care of my eyes. Surgery has been life-changing. I had a wake up call early in the year when I was driving at night and had pretty bad double vision. I’m eternally grateful for the team at the Beaumont Eye Institute. Highly recommend if you have ANY eye issues. Surgery was a success, I did fine with anesthesia and recovery was very low-pain.
2022 has been the year of NORMALCY! THANK. GOD. FINALLY. I had such a blast being a part of Tommy’s field trips, his field day and his fun run. Both the Fur Ball and Bowl-4-Animal Rescue were in person this year. The Royal Oak City-Wide Block Party returned as well. Tommy and I got the latest Covid boosters! I participated in 5k races again. I’m so lucky to be able to do these things while continuing to work part-time while I am in grad school.
2022 has the year of many new beginnings. I applied for, got accepted and started graduate school to begin a new career in counseling. I think I was born to be a counselor. I think I’m going to be really good at it. I have a TON to learn, but I’m more than ready!
Next, I started a new healthy eating plan with Noom. I love that it is based in psychology so I tried it out and I’m so glad I did! I have found it extremely easy to manage and I’m down just shy of 10 pounds. I think I’ll hit the 10 pound mark tomorrow! It has been the slowest and healthiest weight loss plan I have ever attempted and I think slow and steady will win the race. Maintenance is important for me and I truly think this will be a lifelong, healthy change in eating.
Another wonderful “new” beginning — I continue to make new girl friends. I have never lived anywhere longer than where I now live. I love this city so much and I love it even more with each new person I meet. On that note…
And onne more new beginning…I finally got the courage to “swipe right” on dating apps. I am grateful for my therapist gently guiding me through this process and gently nudging me to consider people I may not have if she had not suggested their positive qualities. I have met a few decent people and been on a couple of dates with someone lovely…and emotionally available! Fingers crossed for a continued connection. (Yes I buried the lede with this news. I’m maintaining a balance of ZERO expectations and hopefulness.) I can say this part with confidence – I will never consider someone emotionally unavailable again. This “quality time” girl will not waste her time on anyone unsure of me.
So…What are YOU thankful for so far in 2022? What are you looking forward to in 2023? I know we still have a little over a month to go until the new year, but in case I do not have the time to blog again in 2022, I’m asking now!
What will 2023 hold for me? I have a feeling there are going to be REALLY GOOD THINGS. I feel incredibly thankful for all that happened so far this year and just as hopeful for next year. I’m going to continue to roll with the waves.
Lindsay Warren's Blog 