Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Reflections of 2023 and #WOTY for 2024

I don't know how the Word of the Year works, but the years where I have chosen a word, the year has been in keeping with it.

Last year I chose Ikigai as my word after I read the book and liked the concept of "happiness of just being".  2023 wasn't an easy year but overall, it was a happy year. Here are some of my Ikigai happy moments:

I started my artwork again after a gap of several years thanks to my team who gave me a farewell present of art supplies and for time between jobs to relax and paint. I even got my son into artwork with me and was surprised what an awesome artist he is. I am in awe of his talent. 

My brother came to visit, and I met him after 12 years. It was nice seeing him again and we had a good time with him. I also got to visit my daughter twice so that was lovely. She lives in a beautiful part of the South Island of New Zealand.  

Even though I enjoyed my job, it was very stressful, and, in a way, it was a relief that the programme got cancelled. Felt bad for my absolutely fantastic team but happy that over the next couple of months all of us found new jobs. 

I restarted my yoga and qi gong practice and even though I haven't lost any weight, I feel more energetic. So, I hope that I can keep that going this year.


 So, in keeping with the Japanese theme, my word for 2024 is Wabi-Sabi - beauty in imperfection.  A nice reminder that not everything needs to be perfect, and that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. 

My art has clearly taught me that what initially may look terrible, could start to grow on you eventually and that what you may not like, others may find quite endearing. Evidenced by my painting above that I thought looked awful when I painted it, but it grew on me day by day. 

If you have a word or phrase for this year, please share in the comments. I look forward to how Wabi-Sabi will play out for me this year.

Wish you all a fabulous 2024.

10 comments:

  1. Such beautiful words for last year and this one, Sue! Amazing.

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  2. I love the idea of Wabi Sabi. Perfection sometimes can be intimidating. Hope you have a wonderful new year Suzy.

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    1. Thanks Tulika. It's a great concept to embrace for those like me who are self-critical.

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  3. I love your word of the year, Suzy. Finding beauty in Imperfection is the perfect fix for anything, isn't it? I love the possibilities of the word Wabi Sabi. Thank you for sharing, I will remind of myself of finding beauty in imperfection every now and then. :)

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    1. Thanks Vinitha. So true, it is the perfect fix when things aren't quite what you expect them to be.

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  4. Lovely word for 2024, Suzy! I love how you are looking at the possibilities that can come from not focussing on perfection, but just playing along with whatever comes up in life! Such a great reminder for all of us. Have a wonderful year ahead, Suzy.
    Best wishes.

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    1. Thanks Esha Yes a good reminder for us that imperfections are quite acceptable.

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  5. Spending time with family feels amazing. I haven't seen my brother in many years and I can't wait to see him. Wasi Sabi is a great word for the year. I wish you good luck with your art projects.

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    1. Thanks Raj. When we live overseas in different countries, it's hard to meet up regularly. Hope you have a nice reunion with your brother.

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