Every year, I like to take a moment to reflect on the year so far and set some goals for the rest of the year. This year I'm doing it publicly.
The ending of 2022 was quite satisfying, and it provided a strong momentum as I entered 2023. The year started on a positive note, with enjoyable experiences, excellent health, and promising developments in my career. Anticipation filled me as I looked forward to the opportunities and experiences that the year 2023 had in store.
The Journey and Wedding
In January, a colleague was getting married in Nigeria, and I was invited to be a groomsman. I was excited to be a part of the wedding and to visit Nigeria for the first time. I had a great time at the wedding and enjoyed the Nigerian culture. I also got to meet some of my colleagues in person for the first time. It was a fun experience.
<figcaption>The groom and I at the wedding</figcaption>
Coming back to my country from the wedding, I had so much expectation for the year. I was looking forward to the new experiences and opportunities that the year had in store for me. I was also looking forward to the new challenges that I would face and the lessons that I would learn.
Starting Golang
In February, I embarked on a journey to learn Golang, a language that had piqued my interest for some time. I desired a change from my usual programming language, JavaScript, and felt the need to explore something fresh and different. Moreover, my motivation to delve into Golang stemmed from its reputation for being a high-performance language compared to JavaScript.
The Horrible Experience
Around mid-March, a significant setback occurred when I lost huge sums of money in a business venture I had initiated with a friend. This unfortunate event had a profound impact on various aspects of my life. It left me devastated and plunged me into a state of depression. As a result, my enthusiasm for working on personal projects and learning Golang diminished. I found it challenging to concentrate on my regular work, and overall, I was in a difficult and troubling place emotionally.
As a consequence of this unfortunate incident, I made the difficult decision to end my relationship with my girlfriend. Recognizing that I wasn't in the right emotional state to be a supportive partner, I believed it was essential to take time for myself to heal and recover from the emotional trauma I had endured.
In the aftermath of these events, I withdrew from my friends and family, seeking solitude most of the time. I found myself in a dark emotional place, reluctant to burden others with my struggles. The weight of shame from my perceived failure made me hesitant to face the judgment of those around me. I felt like a letdown to both my loved ones and myself, dwelling on the costly mistake I had made, and experiencing deep disappointment in my own actions.
The Recovery
After a few weeks of isolation, I was able to forgive myself for my mistakes and move on from the past. I took time off work to focus on my mental health and to recover from the emotional trauma I had endured. I also sought professional help to deal with the emotional pain I was experiencing.
I went out more often with work colleagues and friends, and I began to feel better.
<figcaption>At a water fall with work colleagues</figcaption>
As I try to move on from the past, I am learning to be more forgiving of myself and to accept my mistakes as part of my journey. I am also learning to be more open and vulnerable with others, recognizing that I don't have to face my struggles alone.
Personal Projects
Currently, I have also started some personal projects that I am excited about. I am working on a Human Resource Management System for my company. I am also refreshed my personal website and started writing more often, Mostly, about my journey as a software developer.
<figcaption>Working on a HR Management System</figcaption>
The Future
I am looking forward to the rest of the year with renewed hope and optimism. I am also looking forward to the new experiences and opportunities that the year has in store for me. I am also looking forward to the new challenges that I will face and the lessons that I will learn.
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Have a wonderful day.
– Felix
Every year I like to take a moment to reflect on the year so far and set some goals for the rest of the year. This year I'm doing it publicly.