Another year has passed in what seemed like two months. There was a lot packed into 2023. I’ve had some real-life experience. There were many lessons learned about myself and about those that I chose to surround myself with. I am so grateful to have had those experiences and I’m happy to share some of my experiences.
The top of 2023 was spent reflecting on 2022 and how I would do better with my blogging. Well, I seemed to fail on that reflection since it’s been a year since I published a blog post. I have written blog posts, however, what was written throughout the year was not for public consumption. Some things stay near and dear to my heart. With that said I gave myself a little grace on this reflection.
Anyone who truly knows me knows that my children mean the world to me. I am so thankful I can witness their greatness. They both achieved success in their chosen careers. They are both chefs. I have watched them start from the bottom and work their way up. I am proud of my babies. An Executive Chef and A General Manager. The climb was no easy task. There were challenges and through those challenges, they have grown. I pray they continue to grow and conquer even more of their goals. Out of these children, I was blessed with one grandchild whom I adore. She has the sweetest heart.
There was another back surgery in 2023 to correct spine issues and nerves being pressed. My body was cut into, nails screwed into my spine for a bone fusion, and then closed with several staples. Hours after surgery I was up and walking. Not speed walking but walking nonetheless. Thank God!! I am so thankful for the team that worked with me to make this operation a success which afforded me continued mobility and a better quality of life. I learned from this surgery that I am stronger than I know.
I took a girl’s trip this year to celebrate a dear friend’s birthday. It was a staycation so Florida was where we chose to rest, relax, and turn up mainly because of my recent surgery. Once again I was so very thankful. When you travel with people you truly learn the people as they learn you. Things are revealed good and bad. Lots of learnings were had on this trip.
2023 was a milestone birthday year for me. Turning 60 was a big deal. A big deal because I did not believe that I would make it this far since my mother passed at a young age there was fear embedded within my soul. That fear had me believing I’d have the same fate. I believed that God would not sustain me. With that, I decided to celebrate big and do what my heart desired. I had the exact celebration I wanted, a catered yacht party, experienced a few high-end restaurants, and a stay in a luxury Airbnb with my nearest and dearest friends. We celebrated for an entire week. It felt fantastic to do that for myself. What I learned from this experience is not everyone is truly happy for you and will try to disrupt your joy, heavy on the try. I also learned my tolerance for nonsense is pretty much at zero. Some judge, refuse to hold themselves accountable, or understand that people evolve, are multi-dimensional, and will not remain in a place that makes them comfortable. This celebration was a huge eye-opener.
This year I traveled to Jamaica, Las Vegas, and Spain. Spain was for work. I vacationed in Barcelona and then went to a sales conference in Tarragona, Spain. Traveling is my thing. Traveling is even better when your career takes you to different parts of the world. Experiencing another culture truly helps one appreciate their own culture and environment. Traveling also opens your eyes to the possibility of change. After I returned from Spain and reminisced on the deliciousness of the culture and the food I believe I could retire in Spain.
Speaking of careers this year my career was turned upside down creating high levels of stress. The company I have worked for, for the last 7 years was being absorbed by the mother company. The fear of losing my job at this age weighed heavy on my heart. In July we transitioned. I was relieved that I made the cut but terrified since this new company although they owned the previous company operated very differently. There was a lot to learn in a short time. I was accustomed to working in the Americas and now I was global. Huge difference. Then the company announced there would be 3500 layoffs, 2500 in December, and another 1000 at the top of 2024. I am no longer terrified not because I believe that I am safe but because I have faith and am staying prayed up.
In leaving 2023 and entering 2024 I remain a caregiver. I graciously and thankfully continue to care for my father. I was not prepared for this role. I do not think there is a specific preparation that one can take for this role. Yes, you can study the different types of health issues you may encounter depending on the patient’s condition. The hardest part is not the person needing the care. The hardest part is dealing with people looking on and having to deal with their disrespectful comments, judgment, and harsh words based on their very little knowledge of the entire situation. It never ceases to amaze me how those looking on never contribute any assistance at all, yet have so many opinions and much to say about how things should be done. It floors me how the ones who you thought loved you unconditionally truly do not. I’ve learned it is your family that turns on you with hatred and mean comments. There is truly no preparation for this. Until you are in this situation you have no idea how others will act. I am grateful my father asked me to move in and watch over him. Perhaps he asked me because he knew things that I did not. Perhaps his wisdom, discernment, and understanding of folks exceed mine. I have learned to silence the noise and love on those who love on me. Not an easy task as the pain still exists.
At the end of 2023, as we do every year a group of women come together for two of my favorite events Zen Day and our White Elephant Christmas gift exchange. It feels good to be surrounded by these professional, successful, and forward-moving women who are like-minded. Being like-minded in sisterhood, networking, kindness, and extending oneself to others. Two hosts open their homes and provide a safe place for us to express our silliness, have deep conversations, drink, eat, dance, sing, and be merry. I am grateful every year that I am invited.
I share all of these experiences to say and show life is a journey. A journey filled with ups and downs, wins, losses, happy times, sad times, trials and tribulations, pain, suffering, new friends and old friends, new relationships, and saying goodbye to other relationships. Life is a journey, to some a scary journey since we have no idea what we will be forced to deal with and compounded by not knowing when the journey will end.
The best advice I can lend is to live life to the fullest and do what you can and want you want to do. Ignore those hell-bent on judging you and spewing negativity, but do take time to reflect, and improve the person you are.
Happy New Year !!
♥
TRACI J. HINDS 