At the end of each year, I like to reflect on what has happened, how I’ve grown, and what’s to come.

I graduated from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in May. DBT changed my life. Because of the skills I learned, I can navigate my emotions rather than fall apart and shutdown. I can now cope instead of wanting to get out of hard situations and feelings.

I started Prolonged Exposure therapy (PE) in August. PE focused on helping me heal from my past trauma and resultant PTSD. I graduated in November. It was the most difficult work I’ve ever had to do AND my trauma no longer controls me thanks to the time and effort I put in to heal.

I was interviewed by a Huffington Post writer about Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and the stigma surrounding it in May. It was such a rewarding opportunity to talk about my experience with BPD and to help others learn that perpetuating myths are harmful to everyone.

In June, Corey and I sold our townhome of 13.5 years and moved in to a rental property. I really like our new digs despite it being a rental. The floor plan’s laid out logically with wide halls and stairs, 10-foot ceilings, big walk-in closets in each bedroom, and our first garage. We’re extremely blessed to live where we do.

Sadly, we said goodbye to our beautiful Dax in August. She was almost 19 years old and her kidneys decided they’d functioned long enough. Her passing was bittersweet as Izzy, Corey, and I miss her dearly and we’re happy she’s no longer suffering.

We adopted Luci, a four-month-old kitten, in November. She’s very energetic, friendly, and cuddly. Corey and I are smitten and Izzy’s still making up her mind.

My health took a ride on the proverbial roller coaster, having lots of ups and downs:

  • a bacterial infection in January;
  • suspected C. difficile in March which turned out to be a chronic case of acid reflux;
  • COVID in June;
  • injured shoulder, arm, and ankle from October until December;
  • and chronic hives that started in November.

I had LASIK done on both my eyes in August. Sometimes I have buyer’s remorse and wish I’d only had one eye done so I’d be able to see both near and far. Most of the time, however, I’m just glad I had LASIK because I only need glasses for reading when I’m extremely tired. I love being able to wear real sunglasses instead of my old transition lenses. I’m especially looking forward to being able to see when I go swimming in the summer.

I had a lot of great opportunities to make new friends and strengthen my relationship with old ones. I befriended so many wonderful bloggers who I always look forward to connecting with. I went outside of my usual group of friends to make new relationships with people I wouldn’t have in the past. I also learned to weather difficult situations and changes in some of my established friendships, helping strengthen them rather than dissolve them.

I learned to accept my family’s strengths and weaknesses, and create healthy boundaries. For the first time in more than a decade, I look forward to spending time with those who aren’t toxic.

School was hard due to my health and I nearly gave up, thinking I was going for the wrong reasons. I learned, however, that school helps me regulate my emotions more easily and boosts my self-efficacy. When I’m productive, learning, and not isolating, my depression and anhedonia are only memories.

I’m really proud of what I’ve accomplished in 2022 and how much I’ve grown. I’ve improved so much and I’m no longer the same person I was in March 2021. I feel hopeful, content, and I’m looking forward to the new year and its opportunities. I’m glad I’ve been able to weather life’s hardships and I know I can cope with whatever’s thrown at me. I’m grateful to everyone who helped me become a stronger person, and I’m looking forward to continuing to connect with this amazing online community and the people I love IRL.

Here’s to many wonderful possibilities! May your 2023 be merry and bright!

Are you looking forward to 2023? Do you have any resolutions?

About Jenni Elyse


Hi, I'm Jenni. I’m an eclectic reader. I mostly read fiction and I favor fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, mystery, thrillers, and romance. The more kissing in a book the better!
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14 replies
  1. Margaret
    Margaret says:

    I admire you so much for your hard work on yourself and your life. It’s easy to give up or to ignore what we don’t want to deal with. You’ve made huge progress in becoming happier and less burdened. Love your kitty! Mari says hi.

    Reply
  2. Wendy Williams
    Wendy Williams says:

    You are amazing for doing all that hard work! Mental health journeys are extremely difficult, and you’re so courageous to go through it. I hope you and Corey and Izzy have a wonderful 2023!

    Reply
  3. Alicia
    Alicia says:

    Wow… you really did accomplish so much this year. Congrats!
    I don’t usually make resolutions, I’d rather set intentions. But I haven’t given this much thought yet. I’ll have to think about it today and hope some thing comes to mind.

    Reply
  4. Roberta R.
    Roberta R. says:

    The woman who told you that you didn’t have BPD because the two of you wouldn’t have been friends if you did? Goodness gracious. Still so much ableism, ignorance and stigma in this time and age.

    You’ve had a hard year, but at least you’re ending it on a high note in a number of ways. Hang on in there! and may 2023 be kind to you and your loved ones (cats included 🙂. Poor Dax was really a sight for sore eyes! I’m glad you found a new kitten to fill the void she left).

    Reply
    • Jenni Elyse
      Jenni Elyse says:

      Yeah, that friend/therapist’s comment made a huge impact on me and how most of the world sees BPD. I’m glad she said it, though, because it helped me realize that we’re (people diagnosed with BPD) stronger than we think are. 😀

      I hope you have a good 2023 too. I hope you and your husband’s health can be resolved quickyly and satisfactorily.

      Reply
  5. Louise Hallett
    Louise Hallett says:

    I’m so pleased 2022 proved to be such a positive turning point in your life. I don’t make resolutions but, following a discussion with my hairdresser of all people, I am making a 2023 Bucket List. It will be filled with as many mundane things as it will big or adventurous endeavours. I’m a huge procrastinator and terrible at putting things off until “tomorrow”. So 2023 is the year that I WILL sort out new stairs and hallway carpet, as well as declutter the loft.
    Wishing you an amazing 2023 x

    Reply
    • Jenni Elyse
      Jenni Elyse says:

      Thanks, Louise! 😀 Me too! It was really fun to go back and take a look at the year. I’d forgotten about some of the things until going through my journal and Sunday News posts. 😀

      I think having a 2023 bucket list is a great idea! I don’t know what I’d put on mine yet, but it’d be fun to think about and work towards. Good luck with your bucket list!

      Reply

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