2023 Reflection

2023 Reflection

By Noah Solovey, Reflecting on Twelve Months of Life

2023 was a wonderful year that contained ups and downs. I have made so many memories in 2023 that I will never forget. From going to camp for 5 weeks, or just simply spending time with family, 2023 was a year to remember. Each year you learn more about yourself, and make memories that stay with you for life. Looking back on 2023 I notice how there is so much to go back on, and relive. When looking back, and reflecting it seems that I, as a person, can take in and think about my experiences over the past year. There is so much to reflect on, so let’s begin.

1 - First off, there were so many highlights of 2023 that I can reflect on. Such as goals I achieved like being a leader, or figuring out who I am. I made so many friends this past year, and am proud of who I was as a person. When looking back, I feel overjoyed when thinking about how I accomplished goals even when underestimating myself. I spoke up when I was frustrated, and helped others when they needed help. I am extremely proud of all the things that were “ups” for me in 2023.

2 - Many fantastic people contributed to my excellent 2023 year. The ones to mainly thank are my friends from camp and my family. Jordan, who is such a meaningful friend to me, Ari, who is just so funny, Mason, who is a great friend, and so much more. They were the ones that were always by me in times of need. My family was so kind to me. My brothers, who sometimes get annoying but I still love, and my parents, who love me so much. If people didn’t exist, 2023 would be the worst year of my life.

3 - Next, I grew as a person in many various ways. I grew as a person in height, but in deeper ways, I grew as a person in finding who I am. I found that I loved to be a leader, and write. Sometimes, I wouldn’t believe in myself, then after underestimating my own abilities, I found that I could do something, I thought I couldn’t. I also resolved problems very well. I grew as a person in many ways, and I know that I am continuing everyday.

4 - The most standout moments to me, was of course, camp. Sleepaway Camp is my happy place, and the people there are simply the best. I hope that my parents will let me go for a good amount of time this year. Other standout moments included Hanukkah, my birthday, the Man City Treble Tour, and being with family is of course standout. When reflecting on 2023, I remember many standout moments that are memories that will last a lifetime.

5 - While having an amazing year, some things in my year didn't go so well. At times, I didn’t cooperate well with my brothers. Other times, I was obnoxious to others and probably annoyed many people. In 2023, there were many times when I was not proud of myself, or I didn’t achieve a set goal. But anyways, after the bad times, I moved on with my life, to the good times.

6 - 2023 was a year of consideration.

Now that 2023 is over, a new year is beginning. If you were to ask me, “Are there things you’d like to change from last year?” I would say, “Yes, there are so many things I can improve on and change. From being a better person, or better brother, to simply having judgment. I can improve in so many ways.” 

7 - Moving into 2024, there are many different thresholds I will need to prepare for. Like playing soccer in the spring and having to practice a lot, or trying to learn different writing techniques to expand my horizon of writing skills, there are many challenges that are personal thresholds for me. I can also make a change, by helping others, or being a leader. Thresholds will pop up at me at many different points in 2024, and I’m ready for whatever obstacles are put in my way.

8 - There are many people that I will connect with this year. Firstly, I want to keep in touch with my school friends. My best friend Ayden would be nice to see too. Second of all, I want to connect with people from other countries. I find it so cool to learn about other cultures. Even though I have connected with so many people, I can connect with even more in 2024.

9 - For me, I want a strong leader in 2024, but mainly, I want to be me. I feel that if I could be myself around everyone it could help me in figuring out who I really am. Sometimes, I might act as someone else or try to not be myself, and I don’t like that. Being myself is a goal for me in 2024.

10 - What I want for this 2024 year is to have the best time of my life at camp, for more than three weeks. I have a special passion for camp, and I have such a powerful connection to camp, that three weeks is not enough. I want to have my highlight of the year last a while, with the people I love. Camp is my happy place, and if I was granted one wish for 2024, camp would be my answer.

11 - Putting my goals into action is a goal itself for me, but usually when making goals you need to have a plan. For crossing thresholds, I can never give up. For keeping friendships, I can keep in touch with my friends in various ways. For being me, I can have that embedded in the back of my head, just so I always remember a true goal for me. Finally, for camp, I can continue to write 9 page long convincing essays on why. Now that I know how I can execute my goals, there is no stopping me.

12 - “The elevator to success is out of order. You’ll have to use the stairs… one step at a time.” – Joe Girard

Reflecting back on the year I noticed so many things. But mainly, I noticed how wonderful years are. How much people mean to you, or how to always take special events for granted, years bring adventure. Just thinking about my past year, I notice I have a long life ahead of me that will bring lots of fun, events, family, and camp. But I have to take all that for granted. Because one day. I won’t be able to go to camp, because I’ll be an adult. I have so many years ahead of me, and I can’t wait for what’s next in 2024.