Surviving 2023: My Year in?Review.

Hi! My name’s Mary and I survived 2023 ?.

This is my first year in review and the most public piece of writing I have ever done. Nevertheless, I think it is important for me to take a look back at all the ups and downs as well as inspire others as they read through my successes and mistakes.

This article is a window into my world, showcasing the strides I’ve made in personal development, the leaps in my professional journey as a product designer, and the richness of the relationships that have colored my year.

Personal Growth: Embracing Change and New Perspectives.

The story of my year begins with a single promise: to love and care for myself. The previous years saw me giving everything to everyone else?—?work, school, people. But 2023? I decided to be a bit more ‘me-centric’.?

I scribbled my SMART goals onto paper, not as mandates but as signposts for the journey ahead. Did I tick off every item? Not quite, but each unchecked box was a lesson, not a loss.

Here’s where the magic started: Journaling. I get it now. Through the simple act of articulating my thoughts, I managed to sift through mental clutter and discovered a surprising sense of clarity and calm. As an overthinker, It was transformative for me, and It’s definitely something I’d recommend exploring.

Then came my birthday, usually a tearjerker, but in 2023, it was different. A mini getaway in Lagos with Aima (my baby girl) was filled with laughter, love, very thoughtful gifts, and unforgettable memories ?.

I have the best people in my corner and for that, I am extremely grateful ??

And let’s not forget my fitness saga ??. Shoutout to Coach Jane, my relentless trainer, who transformed the gym from a daunting challenge to a sanctuary. She and Aima were instrumental in keeping me on track with my fitness goals (until I took a little detour ??). We go again this year ????.

Amidst all this, the biggest change was relocating to a new country. Started off as a hermit, graduated to a tourist(-ish), and briefly moonlighted as a chef. Spoiler: I still think cooking is overrated, but my peppered chicken recipes are worth the hype (I no fit lie give you ??).

The Designer’s Path: Growth, Networking, and A Dash of?Realism.

As for my professional journey, 2023 was a year I set out to expand my creative horizons and make meaningful connections. I immersed myself in learning?—?diving into articles, design portfolios, and tutorials. which helped me stay updated and brought fresh ideas to my work. LinkedIn was my go-to for professional growth and networking, an ideal platform for sharing my journey and connecting with fellow designers and professionals. As for Twitter, I’m still figuring that one out ??.

A highlight of the year was joining Proverbia. where I worked on a social gifting platform. It wasn’t just about the design, but also the people, ideas, and storytelling. As the year was ending, an exciting opportunity arose in the MedTech sector, presenting a new set of exciting challenges ????.

Before this, not all was smooth sailing. I learned the hard way the importance of reading the fine print, and of sending invoices with detailed terms. It was a huge lesson in the business of design, as much as the art of it.

Pro tip: Read the fine print, folks, whether it’s a job contract or your coffee order.

2023 also saw me stepping into a mentorship role at HNG, where I guided aspiring designers. It was rewarding to see them grow, and I’ve continued to support some in their design careers beyond HNG. It was a mutually enriching experience offering me fresh insights from incredibly brilliant minds ??.

Alongside these endeavors, I ventured into public speaking, a big step outside my comfort zone (shoutout to my agent ??). Speaking at KidsThatCode Demo day on ‘The Art of Technology’ with children and teenagers was exhilarating and fulfilling, allowing me to inspire young minds and share my love for technology and design.

And did I mention the networking events? As an introvert, I deserve a medal. I braved the crowds, connected with people outside social media, and even found my tribe?—?shout out to the DYP and HNG peeps! ?

While I concentrated on design, my photography took a backseat this year. I kept shooting, but my online activity decreased. I see this as a pause, not an end. Moving to a new country has presented fresh opportunities, and I’m eager to revive my photography passion in this new setting.

Throughout the year, I learned the fine art of balancing design, mentorship, and public speaking. Each experience contributed to my growth, not just as a designer, but as a mentor and communicator in the tech community.

Relationships: Love, Loss, and Learning.

The year 2023 was significant for me in the realm of relationships. I experienced love in its many forms?—?from the platonic bond of friendships, to romance, to the deep connections within my family. Each relationship brought its unique flavor of love, teaching me about empathy, understanding, and the joy of shared experiences.

However, 2023 also brought with it the challenge of making tough decisions in my relationships.

I learned the importance of setting boundaries, particularly with people from my past. Also recognizing that not all relationships are meant to last, and some chapters had to end for better stories to begin. It was a process of learning to prioritize my mental and emotional health, understanding that sometimes, letting go is an act of self-love and a step towards building healthier and mutually respectful relationships.

2024: From Survival to?Living.

So, here I am, at the end of one tale and the beginning of another. 2023 was my year of survival, of lessons learned, of strength discovered. But 2024? That’s the year I truly live. It’s not just about thriving; it’s about savoring each moment, each connection, each opportunity to grow.

And to you, dear reader, I hope this inspires you to forge ahead, to write your own story of survival and living.?

No gree for anybody this year.

Cheers to the New Year ???