Open Thread Update: How Was 2023 for You?
Last time I shared my personal rating for 2023 and asked you all to share how 2023 treated you. The answers were a mixed bag but the strength, resilience and optimism of you readers was an inspiration.
Reader CN termed 2023 “not great,” but in the face of personal challenges – medical issues, caregiving and a move – she stays positive with some help.
Senior Planet & AARP have kept me centered and given me the strength to keep moving forward. Every day I look forward to stretch classes, tai chi, strong bones etc. etc. I join as many classes as I can. This community has been a life saver. I am so grateful. Thank you for being here. Happy New Year.
Reader Jeanne had some good news on the creative front…
A banner year for my poetry/prose. I had five featured performances in San Francisco venues and one in Petaluma.
Reader Cheryl lost her mom after a long and difficult slog but added…
The silver lining is my sisters and I are clearing my mom’s home and relishing the memories. It’s bittersweet, fun, sad and loving. We miss our mom but appreciate more than ever all she did for us. Bless all.
Reader Nancy simply says
Here’s to building strength & endurance in ’24!!
This year’s Sponsored Athletes will go a long way to help you get there, Nancy! Look for the announcement on January 29!
Onward and Upward
Reader Dennis had a very challenging year, with hospital stays, a fall and a cancer diagnosis, a surgery and flood damage to his home…but his attitude is unquenchable and an inspiration to us all..
Still alive and kicking though so I think 24 should easily be much better!
For some readers, 2023 was, on a scale of 1 to 10 a minus 5. For those who shared personal losses of every kind, just sharing their stories offered, we hope, a small bit of comfort. To Peggy, Adeline, and others, thanks for sharing, we hope things get better soon, and remember – there’s always a place for you at Senior Planet, in our classes and our communities – . something reader Corinne has discovered.
A very good thing that happened this year is finding Senior Planet, especially the Open Mic and Singer-songwriter evenings run by Maggie Rothwell. An opportunity to interact with other musicians and SP members has been wonderful for me.
There are many other comments worth reading for empathy or inspiration – and don’t forget to add your own!
On to 2024! Happy New Year!
best
Virge
ORIGINAL TEXT BELOW:
We’re at the end of 2023 -a year of spills, thrills, and chills. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the worst and 10 the best, how would you rate your personal 2023?
On a scale of 1 to 10 I’d give my personal year a 5.
I’ve had some great reunions with friends I haven’t seen in years, but I had a fight with a family member that won’t be mended soon. I ran a few trivia challenges – which is a favorite hobby – and saw some great art (and wrote about it.) Sadly, I lost my favorite exercise – running – but managed to avoid back surgery. And we lost Erica Manfred this year, too.(Remember when we were younger and we liked surprises?)
Now the Good News
OTOH, I had a couple of really close shaves and dodged a few bullets (and hoping my luck holds out with the ones that remain). I’m still with my fella and my health – besides my back and hearing – is still good. I haven’t won the lottery yet (so I can buy my dream house) but I remain hopeful and it’s fun to dream.
And I did win the lottery with the privilege of being the editor of Senior Planet and working with the wonderful team of staffers. We lost Erica this year, but I’m blessed to work with Suzanne, Sean, Pam, Jon, David, and all the folks at OATS – and with contributors like Kathy, Nabeela, Rodney, Nona, Joan, Deborah, Gill, and Kate.
YOUR TURN
But that’s me. How was 2023 for you personally? Share your ratings in the comments!
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers; her blog “Don’t Get Me Started” puts a quirky new spin on Old School New York City. Send your suggestions for Open Threads to her at editor@seniorplanet.org.
Top Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash
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Comments
2023 was a year of new beginnings for me from my seven-year-old pup who adopted me to signing up for events. AARP has provided so many opportunities for me to stay connected with others while remaining in my home. While I recently learned of a medical situation not curable, knowing it is manageable by tweaking my lifestyle is comforting. By participating in book club, movies for seniors, films, line dancing etc. I don’t feel isolated when I choose to avoid large, inside group activities. tnx!
At the end of every year I go through my journal and list the highs and lows. This has been the best year since 2019. The previous three years were full of illness and bereavements. At our age some illness is inevitable but it was all kept at bay this year which enabled our travels to Prague, Norway and Portugal. I found Senior Planet last February which has improved my fitness immensely thanks to all the wonderful and expert trainers.
2023 was not great. I relocated and am trying to put things in place. I am the primary care giver for my mother who has alzheimer. I have a medical situation…. Senior Planet & AARP have kept me centered and given me the strength to keep moving forward. Every day I look forward to stretch classes, tai chi, strong bones etc. etc. I join as many classes as I can. This community has been a life saver. I am so grateful. Thank you for being here. Happy New Year.
A banner year for my poetry/prose. I had five featured performances in San Francisco venues and one in Petaluma. I attended the AWP in Seattle and met more authors from all over.
This was my second Christmas without the mentor who helped shape my life since I was 19; Dr. Jefferson died at age 96 after a full and rich life.
Good news from my medical specialists: no harsh intervention needed! I am holding my own, thanks to my spiritual training.
But my heart aches for Gaza citizens.
I had a falling out with a close friend during the summer. He was angry and said he needed some space so I was left hanging for months. I sent him a holiday card and he texted me: See you in 2024. It was a Christmas miracle that he forgave me.
I’m teaching a memoir writing class at a senior center in New York City and it’s gratifying to help people tell their stories. I’m also writing articles for Senior Planet.
I had Covid ( first time) but recovered quickly.
I turn 75 in 2024.