To 2023...

(including a bit of a rebrand, if you will)

Jan 09, 2024

Dear 2023,

In the most true-to-self fashion, I am a bit delayed in writing my homage to you. Despite being a relatively timely and put-together person, I have never managed to curb my inclination towards procrastination. Maybe it is one of my immutable traits, or perhaps I have yet to find the right approach to change it. Regardless, I wanted to spend some time reflecting on all the experiences you brought me over the course of the past year, share some of your unexpected joys, and say thank you and farewell.

I saw Chappell Roan in concert twice this year (amongst some other great shows including Carly Rae Jepsen & Sylvan Esso)! Lots of dancing and laughing those nights :)

You welcomed me with discomfort and an immediate push outside of my comfort zone, which, at the time, were two of my least favorite feelings. However, as you continued, it became clear that discomfort would be a winding thread throughout our time together. Slowly, I started to accept the ways in which you unsettled me, instead of ignoring them. In doing so, I embraced your pushes and pulls and began taking risks I have never felt comfortable taking in the past. After all, what’s a bit more discomfort during an already unsettling time? I shaved my head, adopted a cat, traveled to countries literally on the other side of the world, spent a lot of time alone, had difficult conversations about the unending violence in Gaza and why I support a ceasefire and Palestinian’s right to life (if you’d like to talk about this with me, feel free to reach out), and even started publishing some writings (hi readers! Thank you so much for caring about the things I have to say). I have never been a particularly bold, outspoken, or brave person, so while these things may seem like second nature to some, they took a level of courage from me that I had to work to uncover. And I am grateful to you, 2023, for forcing me to find that courage.

For all that you required from me, you also gave back to me with beautiful friendships (both old and new), lively concerts, charming conversations, exciting adventures, and wonderful time with those I cherish most. I visited my best friend for a month in Seoul and got to reconnect with a friend I hadn’t seen in years in Taipei. I read over 35 books, discovered lots of new (to me) music, and cried at the season finale of the campiest show of all time, Riverdale. And yes, for those of you wondering, I have watched it weekly for years. Sometimes it really is the little things that keep you going, like wondering just how far the writers of Riverdale are willing to take the bit each week. See the P.P.S. for a list of some of my favorites if you’re interested!

a kind teacher helped me see my high school’s graduation speaker this year… Lucy Dacus (who graduated from my school a few years before me). boygenius was my top Spotify artist in 2023, and I was grateful for the chance to see her again all these years later and thank her for the comfort & stability her music has given me!

So, thank you 2023 for the chance you gave me to work towards becoming the person I’ve always wanted to be. I welcome 2024 with open arms and an open heart.

From Cece, With Love <3

me and my best friend of over 20 years, Rebecca, enjoying coffee at our favorite cafe near her apartment in Seoul, where I spent a month. She inspires me every day to be brave and take chances.

P.S. As you may have noticed, I’m taking a different approach this year to my substack. I’ve always loved letter writing, so I wanted to see if this approach will encourage me to write a bit more!

P.P.S. See some of my favorites of the year below. I’d love to hear about some of your favorites of 2023 or something unexpected you did! Comment and let me know :)

Best Reads (in the order I read them):

Ninth House - Leigh Bardugo
Love, Pamela - Pamela Anderson
Lone Women - Victor LaValle
Piranesi - Susanna Clarke
The Idiot - Elif Batuman
Pageboy - Elliot Page
Dracula - Bram Stoker (read via the draculadaily substack, which I highly recommend!)
Heartstopper - Alice Oseman