2022 has been a rotten year for us. I would love to say the bad stuff is done but I thought that months ago and stuff kept happening. The horribleness has given me some perspective, however, that I wanted to write down for me as much as anyone reading.
The depressing part
First my dad passed away suddenly.
While we were in the UK for my dad’s funeral arrangements, our 14 year old dog (Benji) got sick and died just before my wife’s plane landed to be with him.
We sold and packed up our home in Canada, got back to the UK, and my wife’s mum passed away, also suddenly.
Then to just add an extra layer of manure, we put an offer on a house and the vendor accepted, messed us around for weeks, then withdrew.
That’s not even everything, but I am guessing it’s enough to give you an idea.
Perspective
What I learned, amongst all the lessons in this stuff, is human relationships are paramount.
It’s not just about not taking people for granted, it is deeper than that.
Invest in your relationships. Put in the time and the effort. Not just with family, though they are incredibly important, but also your friends and your business relationships too.
That means cutting out anyone who is not a good fit.
Life is too short to put your energy in the wrong people, it does neither you or them any good.
When all this crap has happened to us, people have stepped up, and others have stepped back. Some have been, well, mean. People show you who they are, it’s up to you to believe them and behave accordingly.
Do the work
I am terrible at staying in touch with people because I always think I am either a burden or an interruption or they don’t really like me they are just polite, but I am so grateful for the people who stuck around for us this year.
My go-to approach is to share funny gifs and videos as a check-in. You find what works for you, and make a point to keep communicating.
Ask how people are doing, and not in the bland automatic “How are you? I am fine” way, really ask. You never know what people are experiencing.
It’s worth it, believe me.