GOODBYE 2023, HELLO 2024

 GOODBYE 2023, HELLO 2024

As we all sit back this week to reflect on the year that was, we cannot help but wonder about the state of our lives, our friends’ lives and our world. 

Some of the stuff is really, really great or good, and other stuff not so great nor good, but we persevere and try to do our best for ourselves, and do our part for others — the best we can.

By far for me, the greatest personal active experience of 2023 was cycling the Okanagan Rail Trail from Vernon, BC to Lake Country — 52 kilometers under warm temperatures and a clear blue sky, with friends Kerry, Patty and Gloria. (See photo)

By far the greatest personal family experience for me was spending four days in Kelowna at Christmas time with my twin nieces who flew in from Australia, with their families, to enjoy Christmas, and more, with their parents.

By far the greatest philanthropic experience was giving of my time to help families in need in my community have some semblance of happiness together, during the Christmas season, despite very difficult and trying times. Non profits like the Maple Ridge Christmas Hamper Society, are truly doing the best they can.

I am also happy to say that a lifelong creative writing dream is about to come true around the end of 2024 — something that I hope to share modestly and without fanfare, in keeping with my nature, but with great glee and excitement. 

At the same time, I am often thinking about our larger world — especially in Crimea, Ukraine, Israel and Palestine,  in turmoil, and sadly diplomatic efforts simply are not working. None of us can imagine what living in those regions must be like. None of us has experienced such community turmoil, destruction, sadness, fear and hopelessness. The worst part of it all is none of us can do anything tangible to help.

I am, however, very glad and optimistic that the indigenous dialogue has finally significantly progressed across all dimensions/fields/sectors — business, government, education, health, social services, economic development, the energy sector, and local governance have finally accepted that colonialism (“we will do everything the white way”) and stereotype attitudes need to be shredded, and removed from the narrative, in order to successfully understand and embrace the important reconciliation work ahead. We all have a part to play to get it right.

I remain happy to be a Canadian Dutchie, living in Maple Ridge, enjoying retirement with cycling, walking, aquafitting, meeting new people, travelling to the same and different places, expanding my creative writing and spending time with family and friends — close to here and far away.

For me, this has been an interesting personal decision making and planning year. It seems to have gone by quickly, and I am already looking forward to the coziness (fulfillment) of what’s to come! I wish the same for others known to me and not, because we all only have one life to live and love — and, getting the best and the most of it, is what we all deserve.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!