A snowy owl in Orange County sparked my first column of the year, and one gem I used as a compass for 2023 was that “decision to step into each day with a radical anticipation of good things happening.” The reality: The beginning of 2023 was tough. While navigating the painful emotional fallout from a relational conflict, I was also trudging through an excruciating frozen shoulder condition (in both my shoulders!).
Over the year, though, I unlocked a treasure through the North State Voices journey — the renewing power of reflection, gratitude and hope.
Reflection: Refusing to hold offense over what people have or haven’t done enabled me to step more quickly into forgiveness as I noted how bitterness, when allowed to fester, only steals.
Gratitude: Hiking through memories of downtown Chico as a high schooler, my solo travels (past and present), and my former life and work on the East Coast gave me a view of the landscape of my life in a way that engineered what felt like endless gratitude. Wonder and awe greeted me like a shimmering waterfall at the end of that hike. Painting word pictures of these memories positioned me to note all the good that took place. There was difficulty, but the light seemed to always eclipse the darkness.
Hope: I started the car of a parked dream to see what happened. My year included the launch of a nonprofit and the attempt to start a second business, but I was also reminded of a truth: My legitimacy as a person isn’t in my accomplishments or my relationship status or the amount of money or goods I own. Quite simply, it’s in my design — the treasures inside of me that are too big to keep to myself. I carry something unique to deliver to the world around me, and that’s a truth I hope others can pocket for themselves. Lately I’ve been marveling at how people I encounter truly are unique masterpieces and their potential to bring something creative and unique to the world around them is a wondrous thing.
I don’t make a lot of money, but the bio in the jacket of my life’s book would surely peg me as one of great wealth. And that’s not just because of my Strawberry Shortcake collection. I feel rich due to my travels as well as the relationships I’ve cultivated — some of which are in other countries due to my years studying abroad.
If I can make one recommendation to those of college age: Study or work abroad if you can. It will inevitably change your life. It did mine, and I’ll never regret those decisions. Was I scared at first? Of course, but I don’t grow when I remain comfortable and content—it’s about moving forward, even when afraid, and figuring it out along the way.
Writing reminded me that pursuing a deep dream is more pressing than the comfort of knowing exactly what’s around the corner. On October 5th, I shared how the passion to deliver transformative education about the Holocaust in communities stewarded my return to Chico. But after October 7th, that desire has deepened in new ways, and though the times seem daunting, there’s something sparkling about sharing these dreams with you first.
In Circus Mirandus, “The Lightbender” asks the protagonist, “Micah, what do you think magic is?” Micah replies, “I guess it’s what’s inside of people like you. The parts of you that are too big to keep just to yourself.” I suppose NSV is a magic maker of sorts — it has allowed writers like me to share with you those parts that are too big to keep just to myself.
Readers, thank you. What a privilege to have shared with you over the past year and what a joy to have embarked on this journey alongside the other NSV columnists — Dale, Georgia and Maricarmen. As good writing does, their work illuminated different perspectives of the human experience. And thanks to Mike Wolcott, for his role in bringing local news to our community.
As we soar towards the conclusion of 2023, I’m happy to report the last lap has not been as difficult as the opening lap, and hooray for no more shoulder pain! Wherever the snowy owl is now, I thank her for inspiring my flight into this year of writing — a year of absolute delight, discovery and hope.
You can reach Katie Posey at katie@ourstoryconnections.com.
