“It’s not that I’m falling behind; it’s that I’m trying to get ahead.”
That’s the sentence I wrote on October 30, a Wednesday. I’d missed quite a few Monday posts here, fallen behind on grad school readings, thrown every dollar I had at student loans, and realized how far out of depth I was feeling at my new part time job.
I tried not to bite off more than I could chew. I really did.
That’s the reason I felt so blindsided when things got overwhelming.
I consider this newsletter like my job, though it doesn’t pay much. Writing is what I’m here to do. And honestly—I got bummed out not being here.
So today, December 31, I’m trying to write different kinds of sentences.
Here’s one: “I tried.”
I tried to plan. The plans failed. It is what it is.
Another: “I don’t need to hurry.”
As my fingers type these words, I’m not sure they believe them.
I want to continue to grow this newsletter. There are other goals, too, which fell to the side since August. Doing too much didn’t work, so this semester I’m going to try less. If I don’t have room to breathe, I won’t have space to grow.
The last sentence I’m trying to write? “Some things were great.”
I really loved the first half of the year. It saw me finish a degree, end a chapter in Florida, and meet friends studying in the UK.
I released four songs I’m proud of, and I wrote some of my favorite work to date here on Substack.
Many people don’t get a year like that.
The second half? Sure, it was rough. But a restart feels good. Expect to see me back in your inbox with obscure musings on everyday life.
What did you accomplish (or fail to accomplish) in 2023? What are you looking forward to in 2024? I’ll be cheering you on.
To 2024,
Tim
Proud of you man. Keep up the good work, and keep adjusting the rest :)
I adore your musings, Tim, and look forward to them always regardless of frequency. You do how you want it. Happy 2024!