A Year in Review – Through a Blogging Lens

~ patwdoyle11

It’s been said that for many, a blog is an on-line diary. Although I try and keep my blog on topic of its name (retirement transition), it does reflect the state of my life.  So here is a look back at my 2023 life, through my blogging lens.

I did have a number of posts very much in line with the Retirement Transition theme!  There were posts on work life balance (link here), my retirement hobby (link here), retirement transition tools and techniques (link here), and a whole Retirement A to Z post (link here.) 

My “target” for blog posting is once a week.  This year, I had only 35 posts (versus my closer to hitting target of 49 in 2022).  Many of my posts reflected the emotional struggles I faced this year, which I believe was the cause of fewer posts.  These emotional struggles were discussed in posts from an early rocky start post (link here), through multiple posts dealing with grief (one link here), to later working out of negative spirals (link here) and other emotional challenges (one link here).  I am often leery of posting the emotional challenge blogs, but in almost every case, I receive virtual emotional support, as well as great insights and alternative perspectives.  And many tell me they face similar challenges; it’s nice to know we’re not alone in them.

Of those 35 posts, 12 of them had pictures of my crafting projects this year!  Another 7 had a picture of my amazing morning view. Both of these things are elements that helped me through the above emotional struggles.  I added “get crafty” to my Putting Positive Psychology into Practice list (link here) and have certainly gotten that going in 2023.

The final insight for me was my focus on planning (yes, I am a planner!) and savoring experiences (like this link about summer).  I justify these seasonal planning focused posts on my blog about retirement transition as examples of one woman’s retirement lifestyle.  (Yes, I need to justify that my posts are on-theme to myself!)

As I looked at my blog’s stats, it was amazing to see I’ve had over 45,000 visitors to my blog over the years with 982 current subscribers.  Almost all of my posts have over 200 readers, which is simply amazing to me. (Hello to you all! And thanks for bing here.)  Tears shed as I saw that this year’s top post was An Unexpected Final Goodbye (link here,)

I was in a very different place in life 12 months ago. It’s not been the easiest of years. But it was also lovely to look back and see the bright points – like my garden & crafting whimsy (link here) and getting Lissa (link here).  So I’ll keep on going in 2024 with my on-line diary, trying to still create posts to the theme of retirement transition and one woman’s living her by-design retirement lifestyle.

Wishing you all a Happy Holiday season.

Picture: Holiday lights in our yard..

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Published by patwdoyle11

Life is a series of transitions and my blog captures my retirement transition journey.

12 thoughts on “A Year in Review – Through a Blogging Lens”

  1. Hello Pat. I have enjoyed following along with you this year through your blog. I can see why you have so many readers and commenters. Here’s to a happy 2024!

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  2. I will continue to be an avid reader of your blog through 2024, and you’ll be writing your ten year blogging retrospective before too long!

    Have a great xmas and all the best for the new year!

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  3. Hi Pat – my post today was a reflection on the year too – we seem to be very like-minded lately! It’s lovely to see how your blog helped you through the grieving process, and also reminded you of the bright glimmers that are still part of our world when we look for them. I enjoy your thoughtful and vulnerable posts because, as you said, we’re all on this journey together and hearing other people say “me too” makes a huge difference as we navigate the tricky bits. Merry Christmas to you and see you in 2024! x

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    1. Leanne, I don’t know why I’m always surprised when our posts are so like-minded… it happens often! I’m focusing on those bright glimmers at the moment. First set of holiday’s without my mom. And, I’m considering a WOTY again. I loved how you’ve been using yours. Here’s to a wonderful 2024!

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    1. Thanks John. I couldn’t keep on being a “Debbie Downer” each week! It was interesting to look back at the year. I also recognize the next two months might be challenging – it will be the one year anniversary since I moved my mom and she passed away. Being prepared for it might help.

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