Just Because Your Struggling Doesn't Mean You Are Failing

by Michele Boy | December 21, 2023

Here we are, at the close of another year. Since there is no paper next week, indulge me. Our local library hosts a reading challenge annually. This year it was 23 books in 2023. 
I confess I am down to the wire and want to finish but my time is limited. 
 I began the year hoping to challenge myself. But I never really found a lot of books I wanted to dive into. My brain mostly held schedules of who needed to be where, what chores I was behind on, and limited space in between. 
As the clock is running out I have grabbed short stories, poetry, young adult novels my daughter wanted me to read. And I loved all of them! 
There was a piece of me that said that is cheating. Every book should be at least 350 pages to count. So the books I read that had 50 pages to 250 pages didn’t count in my mind. But looking back, I learned from all of them.
It’s funny the limits I put on myself. 
 I don’t walk into a museum and judge the art by how long it took the artist to create it. Why would I judge the artists, the size of the painting?
I am on book 23 right now, in case you were wondering. 
I did accomplish many goals I set out too - learning languages, furthering my Spanish, increasing my strength and health, as well as some others. Did a few things not pan out? Absolutely. But if you succeed at everything maybe the goals weren’t high enough? 
I am writing this on the last day of my daughter’s school before Christmas break. 
While I hope for a day to just chill out in pajamas, watch movies, and read, it is unlikely going to happen. We are set to go to Phoenix, Arizona for the Arizona National Livestock Show. As usual, there are many moving parts to this and I am only partially ready. It’s been my 2023 story. I have shown up late to a dozen things at least, been unprepared, and chasing my own tail. 
We will likely end the year on the road home. But we will be together. 
How was 2023 for you? Many I know had huge struggles, losses, and heaviness. I read a quote that said, Just because you are struggling doesn't mean you are failing.
That hit home for me. As you look back on 2023, I hope you got a chance to laugh hard, find some peace, and help someone. 
What's in store for 2024? Not ready for that yet? Me either. 
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas, joyous family time, and a chance to sit around and do absolutely nothing.
See you in 2024!