Fill in the Blanks To Make Your Best of 2023 List

Even if your 2023 was horrible, this list will remind you that some good things happened

Photo by Harry Quan on Unsplash

2023 sucked for many of us. Even if your year was relatively good, stories and images of other people suffering were constant reminders of the world’s problems. There were plenty of reasons to feel sad, angry, and afraid in 2023.

But there were reasons to feel happy, too. We need to remember the special occasions and unexpected moments that brought us joy. I created a list that helped me do that, and I hope it helps you, too.

1. My favorite event in 2023 was __________.

2. The best thing that happened was ________.

3. The most beautiful thing I saw was _______.

4. Something unexpected that made me happy was _______.

5. I’m proud of myself for _________.

6. I helped someone else by ________.

7. Someone helped me by _________.

8. The most valuable lesson I learned was _______.

9. The best place I visited was _________.

10. The person in my life I’m most grateful for is ________.

In case you’re curious, here are my answers. I’d love to hear yours!

1. a Bruce Springsteen concert

2. my husband and I moved to a new city

3. herons at a local park, especially this one:

4. I got to visit my best friend April in New Orleans

5. publishing this newsletter almost every Friday all year (and in 2022)

6. handing groceries down from a high shelf to a woman who couldn’t reach them

7. giving me her old car when she bought a new one (thanks, Mom!)

8. how much calmer and happier I am during and after my walks at the park

9. Galveston Island (beach town less than two hours from here)

10. my husband Steve

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