What Happened in 2022 Impacts Decisions for 2023

Sometimes, we invisibly disabled people reach a critical point in our lives where we face the need to make unwanted changes. I am reluctantly suspending posting for the foreseeable future with this article. Obviously, I had a head start on making New Year’s decisions for 2023.

At the bottom of this post, I include a chart about making decisions for New Year’s that you can modify to fit your circumstances. Consider the past before making critical choices about your future.

Now, read on to see my reasons for this difficult resolution.

My busy life in 2022

The year began and ended with family gatherings. My brothers enjoyed major life changes last year. My three brothers and I got together with my youngest brother’s friends to celebrate his college graduation (at age 60). Two days later, we celebrated the life of his wife who passed away in 2021. While in the area, we enjoyed an extended family reunion. Later in the year, that brother remarried a spunky widow. My middle brother, who had also lost his wife in 2021, remarried a lovely widow in December. So, some important things went right in 2022.

Health

I had a health scare in August when an MRI showed a potential serious problem. But further testing revealed the true trouble, and it will not cause more problems. Regarding my chronic disorders, my fatigability and weakness increased, and my energy decreased. Otherwise, my health remained reasonably stable.

Overwhelmed

I spent most of 2022 feeling overwhelmed, although I didn’t understand why. After ongoing deep thought and self-examination, I realized writing each post drained my energy.

In late 2021, I began posting something every week, which proved to be too much for my energy and strength. So, I returned to posting twice a month. But even that stretched my abilities. I realized I have been posting every month for almost eight years!

I had to forgo other life activities to post so often. Unfortunately, that meant Joe got stuck doing many of my responsibilities. Other tasks remained undone.

So, should I continue posting? And being overwhelmed? And missing so much of life? Or was it time to move on?

I loved creating Navigating the Storms and sharing my experiences with you through the years. It breaks my heart, but I’m ready for a change.

Plans for my future

• Spend more time with family and friends.
• Transfer slides to computer and make DVDs for family.
• Appear as guests on podcasts about living with chronic illness.
• Market our book, Sunbreaks in Unending Storms.
• And just plain enjoy living.

Even these plans could sap my strength, so I will have to exercise care.

For you

As you look back over your 2022, are there areas where you felt overwhelmed? Do you need to scrutinize your schedule and brainstorm changes to make?

After we look at what happened in 2022, we can consider making decisions for New Year’s.

Questions to answer for 2022

• Did anything go right for me?
• Did my health change?
• Were there overwhelming challenges?

What to think about for 2023

• What do I look forward to next year?
• Will potential health changes affect what I can do?
• How can I deal with overwhelming problems?

Closing thoughts and thanks

I will leave this website up and will add to it occasionally. So, check my homepage sidebar and menu frequently for changes.

Meanwhile, I thank each one who has followed me through the years. I especially thank Invisibly Me and urge you to visit her website. Thanks to those who helped me learn how to design websites. And thanks to many who have helped me navigate my storms.

Share Your Thoughts

Would you share with us how you feel about changes you need to make in 2023?

Read how I prepared for the new year of 2018: Making New Year’s Resolutions? First, Do This!

Investigate Joe’s and my author website, Sunbreaks Books. Find out more about our book, Sunbreaks in Unending Storms. Check out our blog.