As we approach the last few pages of 2023, let me just share my reflection on the year in the rearview mirror.
I welcomed this year with enthusiasm—I don’t know why, but I just knew that this year would be greater than the previous ones. And true enough, it happened to be just that. This year has become the best and, yes, the most memorable year that I have experienced yet. But just like some other stories, it wasn’t like a leisurely stroll through a windy summer field.
2023 is a year full of extremes.
If someone were to ask me to describe my life this year, it would definitely be an amusement park. It was a nonstop roller coaster ride—full of raucous and nerve-wracking moments—and today, suddenly, the wheels finally slowed down, indicating that the ride is coming to an end.
I knew it had been a scary adventure, but you know what? I had so much fun journeying through it.
I have been observing everyone around me throughout the journey. I am grateful to those who have shared the extremes with me, to those who cheered me on during times when fear consumed me and when I wanted to just end this chapter and the coming ones. I am grateful to those who, despite having their own rides and journeys, chose to remain by my side—through silent and loud days, through shortcomings and victories. Thank you for being in my peaks and valleys and everything in between.
I am also thankful for those who left the amusement park of my life; maybe they were not meant to stay. And that is completely okay. My heart is full of gratitude because, even for a short period of time, I got to enjoy rides with precious individuals. Though temporary, I know crossing our paths was not just an incident; the Lord allowed it to happen for a purpose, and it was to teach each other a lesson.
If there’s one thing I learned in the previous and current years, it’s the undeniable truth that we inevitably become products of our environment, whether we embrace it or not. Therefore, it is crucial to be discerning in selecting the individuals who surround us. Our environment lies within our control; we can choose the atmosphere we want to be in.
There are a lot of things that have happened this year. There were moments when I was just crying and praying my heart out to release the heaviness. You know? I’m not always strong. It was tiring at times. I just know that I made it this far not because of my own strength, but because all along, the Lord had been there to carry me, guide me, and accept me. If there is one that deserves every recognition for my success this year, it would definitely be Him.
Hi, Crimsons! If you are reading this, I just want to thank you for ever. I really do appreciate you and your time to read my writings. I just want to let you know that I am proud of you for making it this far. I knew this year wasn’t that easy to you, and you are so brave for not giving up. See you again in the next chapters ahead!
Thank you for riding the extremes with me.RED
Writings of Red 