It is January 2023, and it is raining in Finland. Usually this time of year it is snowing and cold, but not now, even though we got very much snow in December.
Looking back at last year, the 2022, I recall last January I had very early mornings starting 4 o’clock in the morning with international projects remotely from home as the Covid-19 was still there. The good thing with that was that I could go skiing in the afternoon before the sun set. Also I remember being gentle on myself, doing self-compassion meditations and restorative yoga at home. I remember getting feedback for being positive and enthusiastic despite the early wake-ups. This feedback felt very meaningful to me because I really tried to be encouraging and helpful, making the work of others easier and smoother. As a test manager that is one of my tasks.
The beginning of the year was good for skiing and downhill and many people took the advantage of remote working to combine these things. And so did we for one week in February going to Katinkulta in Sotkamo, where we’ve been many times in the summer playing golf.
Besides work my spring was pretty full of Enneagram tasks as I still was the President of the Enneagram Association in Finland. In April the new Steering board was elected and after 3 years I felt it’s time for me to do something else. Having time to do new things did turn out to enjoying my free time. Finally, there were evenings without any ‘to do’ tasks and I actually fell in love with this new feeling. Nevertheless, later I thought I am lazy not being able to come up with anything new nor striving to achieve my goals.
In April we were supposed to go to Lappland for skiing with our friends. They went, we didn’t because we were just hit by the Covid at that time. So I rescheduled our tickets to December. Anyhow May turned out to be the month I remember the best. One work project took me to Portugal, Porto, for 10 days. I loved to see the city again after so many years (over 30) since my Interrail trip in my youth. Right after that I headed for Stockholm to the Regional Enneagram Conference. It felt like all Covid was gone, everyone was so lovable, adoring, hugging friends new and old felt sooo goood. And there was so much wisdom, all the speeches, workshops, enneagram teachers, stories, new ideas, sharings, etc. The enneagram is about people and meeting in live is just how it’s meant to be. Thus already looking forward to the Global Enneagram Conference in 2023 in San Fransisco.
Summer happenings in memory are a.o. my niece’s graduation from high school, a yoga retreat weekend together with a friend, jazz festival, summer party, and of course playing golf.
Autumn was busy and in October I had the opportunity to travel to France for work. We stayed at a small town called Montceau-les-mines, a former coal mining town. The 2 weeks there will stay in my memory for long. It felt so meaningful to work with all the project team members, and the food was just excellent. Also I tried to fresh up my beginner’s French skills. Still maybe the best thing was getting a new friend, a Finnish lady who also stayed over the weekend. We hired bicycles and went for a picnic ride, the weather there was unusually warm, like summer up to 25C. Even back home we’ve been going for walks and keeping in touch. Good relationships are so important for human well being and happiness. Feeling blessed.
Unfortunately the relationship to my mother is fading away because of her disease. She got a permanent stay at a Service house for amnesiac people in September. This was unavoidable and actually I am very happy for her now, I know she is in good hands. When visiting her I do not always know if she recognises me, but I try to be warm and loving, as I believe that she still can feel the closeness. Anyhow, there is a small fear in me to likewise loose my memory sooner or later. Meanwhile my mind reminds me every now and then to trust my heart, trust that life will treat me well, to see good in everything, and to not give up my dreams.
Thus my new year’s wish for 2023 is therefore ‘Just do it’. And now I can say, that I am on my way, I have just registered entrepreneurship for side business. I want to do more coaching, including the enneagram, self-compassion, mindfulness/relaxation, helping others in achievements or problems big or small in order for them to flourish. My aim is take some time off in Q2/2023 and see what dreams come true 🙂
Thank you for reading! Wish you all the best in 2023!
Tell me – what is your dream? The dream that is yet to be fulfilled.
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