Reflecting on 2023: Eight Transformative Lessons Learned
Written on
As I approach the end of 2023, I find myself pondering the lessons this year has imparted. This journey began when I committed to writing a blog on Medium, where I’ve previously documented insights from the past few years. In 2020, I outlined eight lessons; in 2021, ten; and in 2022, I struggled to recall six.
With just over 50 hours remaining in the year, I reflect: what have I learned?
Given the tumultuous events over the last few years, particularly in 2020 and 2021, I feel somewhat out of sync with the general population. In 2023, I faced two significant life events that overshadowed those earlier challenges.
In the spring, I was jailed for 45 days as part of a legal dispute that would extend into mid-July. Shortly after, my father passed away after a prolonged decline in health.
Let’s first address the legal ordeal.
As I approached the fall of 2022, my study of astrology revealed that I had a crucial six-month period for "Shadow Work," coinciding with my Chiron Return. This astrological event, rooted in the story of Chiron, the Wounded Healer, resonated deeply with my journey through addiction and recovery.
Over the previous years, I had begun to relapse into substance misuse, primarily alcohol and a legal cold remedy containing codeine. This regression was perplexing, given my commitment to personal growth since 2014.
In an attempt to rekindle my self-love, I turned to legal research chemicals, ordering 1v-LSD in late August. Unfortunately, I was unable to harness its potential for deep introspection, leading me to try 1cp-LSD in November. This choice proved to be a grave mistake, as I later discovered it was illegal in Japan.
When customs intercepted my package, I felt a sense of foreboding. I made a pact with myself to cease all such orders and keep quiet about it. There’s more to this story, which I will explore in 2024 on a new Substack blog, but I felt compelled to share this part of my journey.
Despite my misjudgments, I bear no shame. My actions were aimed at healing myself to better contribute to society. What kind of government criminalizes such a pursuit? I refuse to let external forces dictate my ability to share my truth.
This leads me to lesson #1 from 2023: Lesson #1: Speak Your Truth with Conviction; You Are Stronger than You Think ========================================================================================== This realization took me until the year’s end to fully embrace. While it may lead to trouble, it reflects a misaligned Power structure, not my character. For years, I internalized a flawed morality that distorted my self-perception. No longer. I recognize my purpose and will not be intimidated.
The authorities inadvertently gifted me with a deeper understanding of my strength through their harsh system. I aspire to use this newfound strength to connect with others and create a collective that fosters peace and prosperity.
This realization ushers in lesson #2. Lesson #2: It’s Time to Build Local Communities of Equals ======================================================================= My experience in the Japanese justice system was deeply dehumanizing, not through physical violence, but through a lack of humanity. The officers involved were detached and robotic, unable to see beyond their roles.
The system breeds mistrust, as individuals in power often don’t know those they govern. After my release, I often felt unsafe, startled by ordinary sounds due to the trauma of my experience.
I believe it’s crucial for those who share my concerns about oppressive structures to create collectives independent of state control. These communities, ideally limited to around 150 members, can begin online and connect globally.
As my friend Alasdair Lord notes, non-state forms of living have historically benefited humanity, and the upcoming Pluto in Aquarius transit will offer fertile ground for such structures to develop.
Lesson #4: Online Communities of Equals Are Vital
During my time in jail, I felt the absence of the supportive community I had cultivated. The lack of communication with friends weighed heavily on me, but I found solace in memories of our interactions.
Through hard work, I’ve focused on improving my connections within that community, fostering understanding and collaboration. I received recognition for my efforts, which reinforced the importance of these relationships.
Lesson #5: Victim Mentality Is Limiting
Though my experiences with the Japanese government could foster resentment, I choose to focus on my growth. The challenges I faced reflect broader societal issues, but I’ve emerged stronger and more resilient.
I view my time in jail not as a victimization but as a transformative experience that challenged my limits. I discovered creativity and resourcefulness I didn’t know I had.
Lesson #6: Embrace More Free Time
Due to my legal situation, I lost much of my work, granting me time to reflect and explore. I believe that if more people had this freedom, they could reconnect with their natural state and discover new talents, shifting their focus from self-interest to service.
Lesson #7: Grief Has Its Own Timeline
On August 8, 2023, my father passed away. His decline began in 2021, leading to a painful journey for our family. Despite the sadness of his loss, I welcomed grief as a reflection of my love.
In the coming days, we will celebrate his life, highlighting the importance of honoring those we’ve lost.
Lesson #8: Generosity Has Its Rewards
My father exemplified generosity, giving without expectation. As I reflect on his life, I recognize the importance of carrying that trait forward. Generosity can manifest in many ways, not limited to material support.
As I continue to explore this theme, I will strive to honor my father's legacy through my actions.
Conclusion
And there you have it—eight lessons from 2023. While I cannot pinpoint why this year yielded exactly eight insights, I am grateful for each one.
I plan to transition my writing to Substack, where I will share more reflections and insights. If you resonate with this journey, I invite you to join me there.
Thank you for reading, and here’s to making 2024 a year of growth and opportunity!