Lessons From 2022
Shit happens, how to take the rough with the smooth
Published: 1/1/2023
Last updated: 1/1/2023
390 words
What happened
My life was quite chaotic for the first few months of this year. I've been spending a lot of time going up and down from Brighton to Hull, mainly for events and to visit family. I was up a lot earlier in the year to visit family, mainly for the funeral of my Grandpa and visiting my Grandad who was sick, and then his funeral too.
Mixed in with those two big losses were some good times as well. I got a big promotion, and a week after that I went on a fantastic weekend away and found out that I was finally going to graduate from the University of Leeds, after finishing my degree in 2020. I went to an incredible concert and had the best time I had had in a good while. I met my youngest brother for the first time and saw my dad, stepmum and sister for the first time in four years.
Sprinkle in some good pubs, our landlord and letting agent messing us about, a few good clothes shops and tv shows, new hobbies, seeing friends, going on a 3-week trip to Australia, new coffee shops, a newfound love of the cold and you've got some good times.
How I dealt with it all
The honest answer is: ok?
Work's been going well, I have a lot of great colleagues and find my work really therapeutic at times. I've learned a lot about software and myself as I step into a leadership role in the team as a Senior Software Specialist, and grow both myself and the team it's a great feeling to get things done together.
I spent a lot of time unwell this year and worked hard to make the most of things despite this. I achieved so much at work, and have made myself proud. I've got a ton of new friends and a new outlook on life as a whole. I'm out the end of 2022.
What I'm doing next
Expect an Ashley who is doing a lot to get his shit together, which is a process that's been going on for a while now. I have done a lot of practical stuff, like deep diving into budgeting, getting around to fixing things around the flat, and sorting through old stuff. There are big plans for the years ahead and I need to be ready to get it done.