2022 - A Great Year

By Alice O'Brien, Churchview Psychotherapy, Millstreet

It is hard to believe that 2022 is coming to an end. It is true to say that lost time is never found again. It is very normal for us to reflect back on the year that just was. We try to measure the year based on what we think is important. We might look at what we have achieved, what we have earned or what we have bought, where we have travelled or what material good we have acquired during the year.

What if we measured the year based on other priorities. What if we measured the year based on what we have done for ourselves instead of what we have got for ourselves? If we counted the year as a success from all the interactions we had. So if we looked at the comfort we have provided to others, the conversations we had with people who were distressed. If the year’s success was measured by how often we made others laugh or brought a smile to someone’s face.

If we remembered every time we were kind and compassionate to others, every time we had meaningful conversation, would we remember the year in a different light?

So, let’s decide to view our year as a success because we are good people, because we are important to others and because the people around us are glad to have us. Let’s decide that relationships and people are important, that fun and laughter are our currency.

Let’s decide that the value in life, the value in the year cannot be measured by things but by feelings, kind words and smiles. When we view 2022 in this light, we can face into 2023 in a gentler manner; in a more selfcompassionate way because we see our importance and we see our successes.

So, as the year draws to an end, let me take this opportunity to thank everyone who read these articles, to thank everyone who stopped me in the supermarket to say they enjoyed them. But, most of all let me thank the staff at IRD Duhallow and Discover Duhallow for giving me an opportunity to put pen to paper.

Happy and Peaceful Christmas to all. Looking forward to many more insights in 2023.