Forgive me, friends. I forgot how wonderful it is to spend time together here. I started on a few large writing projects last year, and the moment output is tied to monetary gain, my fingers become lead. My desire to write (in any formal way) finds itself sealed tightly in a box, which as you can imagine doesn’t bode well for my passion projects (or those large projects either).

Thanks for staying with me. Let’s catch up a little, shall we? Here’s a recap of 2023.

I leaned into creative pursuits, painting and writing being the main two. I’ve taken a few abstract painting classes and finished one whole painting that I felt proud enough to hang up in the house. I have about eight other half-painted/half-pained canvases piled in the corners of my living room that are crying out for completion. I’ve signed up for more classes this year – both virtual and in person – so, that’s progress. I’m working on building the habit of painting.

Whether it’s a memoir, children’s book, a movie script, love letters or a mix of these things, I’m always writing but rarely finishing anything. I’m inspired by my dad who has written (and published) a book and who has several current projects similar to my own. But, I’m also cursed like my dad because we – always – have “several current projects” that pull at our precious time and attention. But, as Elizabeth Gilbert wrote in Big Magic, “a creative life is an amplified life.” I believe this with every fiber of my being. It doesn’t make the creating any easier, but it’s a reminder that both the journey and the destination are to be enjoyed (and repeated, in the case of writers with “several current projects”).

“A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life. Living in this manner — continually and stubbornly bringing forth the jewels that are hidden within you — is a fine art, in and of itself.”

Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

I loved more. For someone who feels like she was put on the planet to love people, this might seem a bit silly. But, it’s not. I actually enjoyed dating (for a brief time!). I met people with whom I could have genuine conversation. We made plans for the future. And then it all came crashing down, and I was totally heartbroken. And angry. And disappointed. And defeated. But, in the end, 100 percent grateful for the experience. Only a few times in my life I’ve met guys who remind me that there are in fact men out there (of datable age) with whom I share key characteristics. I’m not saying these characteristics are special, but I rarely find them reflected back to me in real life. Someone who approaches conversation with the same vigor and curiosity. Someone with the same quirky sense of humor. Someone who recognizes and appreciates all the uniqueness, creativity, passion, inquisitiveness, love, kindness and wonder that make up my personality. These are rare things indeed. So even if these interactions are short-lived (up to now), it’s a small and impactful reminder not to give up. In loving more, I also learned how to grieve and hold space for the sadness that absence and disappointment bring. This muscle will serve me across all aspects of life. Because no opportunity or chance or experience is without disappointment. Love opens us to risk but it also makes us better (if we allow it the space it needs to thrive).

I traveled. At the start of 2023, I made a list of all the destinations I wanted to visit, and I made good progress on that list! I visited new places and familiar ones with friends and with family. All of the adventures were a balm to my soul, full of laughter and memories. In January, my birthday twin and I took a trip to northern Greece and explored Thessaloniki. In March, I met best friends in Dubai for a long weekend. May brought a work trip to Amsterdam and a gals trip to Hydra. June took me to Milos (for my nameday) and Karpathos (what an unexpected treat!). I wandered Skopelos – the island of my ancestors – in July (and again with my parents in September). Then, my parents and I spent two chilly and wet (but beautiful) weeks in Scotland and London, before I rounded out the year with another work trip to Valencia and Christmas in the U.S. It was such an incredible year.

I worked out. A lot. In April, I finally mustered the courage to approach this trainer I’d seen in the area where I went for my morning walks. Turns out, he’s the best. We started working together in May, and now I look forward to our sessions (even if I complain about the actual work outs every step of the way). He listens to me, and he really knows what he’s talking about. I trust him, and I like him. I still don’t really like working out or running, but I love how much stronger I feel. That’s prize enough, but Alex’s friendship is also a pretty sweet and unexpected surprise. We joke; he’s my trainer and therapist, which isn’t so far afield because our sessions are good for the body and the mind, that’s for sure. Plus, he hips me to all the Greek slang which is also quite helpful!

2023 was a great year. I feel more comfortable and at home in my body. I’m more confident in my intuition. I am better today than I was a year ago, and that’s what matters. So, forgive me for my absence, but I do believe I made good use to the time. I’m excited for what tomorrow holds, and I promise it will be more frequent updates!