Maybe you saw the news story this past week about the New York state woman who posted a video on the internet in which she tried to recalibrate everyone’s expectations for 2023.

The woman, Erin Monroe, was growing weary of the usual content that was popping up on her social media feeds as the new year approached. You see it all the time: Here’s how to make the new year your best one ever. Here’s how to reach all your goals. Here’s how to make sure your resolutions finally stick this year.

Monroe had seen enough. So she plopped down in her fluffy pink robe and posted a video to TikTok in which she laid down her expectations for the new year.

Here’s part of what she said: 

“I think we need to set some expectations. I don’t need 2023 to be my year; I need it to not be a soul-sucking drag through earthly purgatory. … I need 2023 to come in, sit down, shut up and don’t touch anything. I need a palate- cleanser year.”

Of course, Monroe’s video went viral, racking up millions of views and striking a deep chord in many watchers: “I feel this in my soul,” wrote one. “I just need 2023 to simply ‘be,’” another wrote.

Monroe wasn’t that surprised: “People are saying I need a year where I can just get myself in order.,” she told The New York Times.

Now, to be fair, 2022 wasn’t as bad as 2021 or 2020, as we tried to demonstrate in our year-end section last week. But you can’t blame Monroe — and millions of others — for wanting to tamp down expectations for 2023. 

Which brings us to next Wednesday’s edition of the Chieftain, for which reporter Bill Bradshaw has quizzed Wallowa County luminaries about their hopes and fears for 2023. This year, we made a point of asking some of the key players in the county’s medical system, because they’ve been through a couple of rough years. As you read their thoughts about 2023, you’ll find that they share some real concerns — but also a sense of pride that they’ve prevailed over the tough tests of the last few years. 

We’ll follow up with other stories in which city, county and school leaders reflect on their hopes and fears for 2023. We’re finding common themes running through these reflections: To be sure, this coming year will offer fresh challenges. But, as a community, we’ve been through a lot — and we’ve learned a lot that will help tackle those challenges.    

Read more in Wednesday’s edition of the Chieftain. In the meantime, here’s hoping that 2023 lives up your expectations — even if you think it may be wise to tamp them down just a bit. 

Finally this week: As always, I want to take this opportunity to thank the subscribers of the Wallowa County Chieftain for their support. We can’t do our work without you.