2022 – Review of the Year

As the year draws to a close I always like to reflect on it. I think it is important to spend time remembering key events and to take note of lessons learned along the way.

2022 was a busy year for me, and often carried a fair amount of stress along with it. And yes, it has ended with sadness due to the loss of my mother on 16th December, but it also had some very happy moments too.

2022 – Review of the Year

Join me as I take a wander back through 2022 before I look ahead to what is coming in 2023.

This past year included a house move, temporary caravan stay and finally a move into our own home in June. Alongside this we had to manage my mum’s failing health and her care needs. I have to say that the support and assistance given by the social services team, Caremark, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the NHS has been amazing.

Despite the pain in the last few weeks due to my mum’s passing, I am greatly comforted to know she is at peace. We had some beautiful moments before she passed and also some hilarious ones. She kept her sense of humour right to the end.

Another increase in Reiki student numbers

I ran various events in 2022, not least of which were 11 Reiki classes with 72 attunements carried out. Since 2012, 57% of the attunements I have given have been since 2020. 2022 had increased numbers from 2021 and I see that trend continuing with classes already sold out for 2023.

Sticking to self care intentions

One of my goals in 2022 was to practice more self care. So during 2022 I discovered the joy of floatation tanks with Hydroease in Dundonald. And I experienced the amazing healing power of Emmet Technique with Karin Davies of KD Therapies. The lovely Connie Mercer kept me sane all year round with regular acupuncture. I had lots of Reiki with my own Reiki Master, Ruth Pringle, and then with my daughter Shannon, who trained with me in May as a professional practitioner.

It has been wonderful to see Shannon blossom into her role as Rocks n Rituals’ new Reiki therapist. And it is fantastic to know that her clients are enjoying their sessions and the client work is in safe hands with her. It has allowed me to step back a little from 1:1 work and to focus more on teaching and mentoring in my community groups.

2022 was also the year I launched The Reiki Solution and Mystical Moon Days along with Intuitive Life Design. These programmes have paved the way for the fantastic Soul Food Circle which is now Rocks n Rituals signature programme and community. The founding member rate is still open until 31st December for this – check it out!

Revisiting my youth

2022 was the year I revisited going to live music gigs. My daughter, Shannon, who many of you know as your Reiki therapist, encouraged me to attend several gigs with her. We enjoyed trips to Dublin and Belfast to see Palaye Royale, The Pretty Reckless, Halestorm and Alter Bridge, along with their support acts.

It’s funny how we drift away from things we used to love. When I was in my teens and early twenties I loved going to gigs and listening to live music. Shannon has reminded me of this and I am sure we will be at many more over the coming years. In fact, we are planning a trip to Finland in February to see my son Dylan and also to go to a gig in Helsinki. Should be fun!

Volunteering

2022 was also the year I had to step up more for St John Ambulance as Bangor’s New Volunteer and Recruitment Lead Officer. We ran a hugely successful recruitment drive in Spring 2022. I also secured a position as a volunteer trainer within the organisation too. Whilst I have had to step back in the last few months due to events with my mum, I am looking forward to getting back into the thick of things at the unit in January.

In late 2022 I began investing more in my business and started working with a fabulous mentor called Desislava Dobreva. I am so excited to see what 2023 will bring as we continue to work together.

A look ahead to 2023

My intentions for 2023 are to continue to provide high quality Reiki training and mentoring that you can rely on. To build Soul Food Circle into a thriving community of engaged people who lift each other up and enjoy life to the full. And I want to bridge the gap between my art work and my spiritual work by fusing more creativity into Rocks n Rituals.

I am so excited about the plans I have in place for 2023. It is important to have plans but it is also important to remain flexible and open to change. My word for 2022 was “Flow”. And I think I managed to flow pretty well given all the ups and downs that came my way throughout the year.

I’m still working on my word for 2023. I’m considering “visible” as I think it is time I allowed myself to be truly seen. We shall see – for now, I am happy to sit for a few more days, reflecting in gratitude for all that has happened this year.

I look forward to kick-starting the Soul Food Circle on 9th January with our first member’s meeting and year ahead readings.

I wish you all a peaceful, happy and healthy New Year.

Much love, Debi x