As I sit here by a warm fireplace, fighting the chills and weakness brought on by a bacterial infection, I find myself thinking about the past year. Despite the highs and lows, there is a lot to be grateful for.

This year has been a time of significant personal growth. It began with a shift to a new workplace where I found my stride and excelled in what I'm passionate about. It has also been a year of loss as we said goodbye to our grandmother, but I am grateful for every moment I got to share with her till the very end.

2023 reignited my passion for creative pursuits and pushed me towards a deeper commitment to self-care. It was also a year of travel, I got the opportunity to visit a countries off my bucket list, Scotland and Jamaica, which were very memorable trips. Each passing year marks progress, but it is also a reminder that growth isn’t possible without the love, support, and influence of those around you.

I'm deeply grateful for my wife, my constant supporter, tirelessly managing our household and caring for our son, especially during life's busiest moments. I am grateful to my parents who instilled in me the value of selflessness. I'm thankful for my in-laws for their support, and to my brother-in-law, whose work ethic continues to inspire me.

I am also grateful for my friends. As you grow older, you start to realize that you don’t need too many people in your life, time is precious and you have to spend it with the ones that bring out the best in you.

Looking ahead to 2024, my desire is to continue on this journey of self-discovery, growth, making more time for my well-being, and striving to be a good person while prioritizing happiness. Oh and more travels and creativity!