Looking back on the blog: 2022

So, back to the blog. I wrote 55 posts in 2022, a few more than 2021, but still fewer than 2020. There is still food for thought, but as I joked to a fellow blogger the other day, I am not afraid of repetition! But as I review my blogs from the year, as usual I see some themes:

I began the year thinking about needing a bigger support network, and talked about community and support at different times through the year. It's still an issue for me.

I need a bigger support network
A wealth of community wisdom
Community and Support Groups

I had a few lonely moments, moments of regret that were worth mentioning, if only to let others know they were not alone:

When we're the only ones to remember
Bread and Childlessness
Pros and Cons of a Childless Easter
The Day that is Not For Us 
Christmases Future
Just the Two of Us

I posted on perspective, and noted that wanting something we couldn't have needed to be left, so we could make way for something new:

Yearning on a shelf 
Route to Madness 
Finding Common Ground 
Pathways, not Barriers

I think my favourite piece this year was the post My No Kidding Rules for Conversation. It gives me permission to take a full part in conversations, and to ask for change.

As I noted last year, in reviewing previous posts, it always strikes me how important it is to reread posts after all the comments, because they add so much to the conversation, to our collective wisdom, and to our sense of community. I am so glad you are all part of No Kidding in NZ.

Finally, in going through my 2022 posts, I noticed that in January last year I recounted a conversation with my BIL about his daughter (from his first marriage) who was throwing away the contraception and would just "see what happens." I asked him to make sure she sought help if she had no success, being in her late 30s. There's a wedding planned for this year, if I recall, but so far, no baby, or - as far as I am aware - no pregnancy. I'm sad for her, and wonder if my advice was ever passed on. I must ask my sister.

Which brings me to the fact that the first week of January is blog delurking week. So, do leave a quick hello in the comments (I’m fine with anonymous comments if you’re shy) or send a quick email to me at nokiddinginnz at gmail dot com. I'd love to know who is reading here.

I wish you all a safe and happy 2023!

 This is an annual nod to Mel, who used to run the Crème de la Crème, where we would list our favourite post of the year. It always provided inspiring reading. So even though it doesn’t happen officially now, I hope that you too will list your favourite posts from your own blogs, on your blogs, for us to enjoy again (or for the first time).