I will never forget 2022. As I look back at my 2021: A Year in Review blog post and the goals I wrote for myself, I realize that I crushed some of them but others not so much. I never intend to fulfill every one of these goals, but rather use them as a guideline and simple reminders throughout the year to stay on track. A lot of what I listed are things I am just recently starting to get into and will definitely continue into next year – like take up a new hobby (salsa dancing!) and get back into running.
Today I wrote some new goals for 2023 and a lot of them do not have to do with material things, but challenging myself to be better and live a life of integrity. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that materialistic things don’t hold as much value in my life as they used to. I value connection, respect, and just being a good human above anything else. I spend a lot of my time pleasing others and not enough time checking in with myself and how I’m feeling. Sometimes I get so caught up in making sure the people around me are okay, I forget that my battery needs charging too – especially as an extroverted introvert.
A lot of big things happened this year! I bought my first car, I moved into my own place, I got a new job that I absolutely love, I graduated with my Master’s degree, and I stayed healthy. I started off the year by receiving some of the best news any chronically ill patient loves to hear – and that is being in endoscopic remission. I feel so grateful to be at this point in my journey and to have maintained it. I want nothing more than to continue living a healthy lifestyle so that I stay in remission as long as possible. It requires a lot of hard work, but I’m willing to put that work in because I cannot compromise my health.
Life moved really fast this year and I never felt like I got a chance to catch my breath. Time is a weird thing because sometimes it flies by and other times it moves so slow. Next year I want to be better about slowing down. Enjoying the small moments that bring me joy while I’m in them. We take so much for granted and it’s not worth it to move through life unintentionally. Reconnecting with family and friends and the people that matter to you is so important. We need to do more of that in 2023.
One thing I really lacked but tried to be better at in 2022 was opening up my heart. Because of my chronic illness I have become much more guarded and cautious of my heart. I can be very closed off in certain situations, but I do it to protect myself. The way I see myself is much different than how other people perceive me so it’s really just a matter of building my confidence back up and letting that shine through. I want to work on allowing myself to receive love because I do want and deserve it.
In 2023 I want to take up new opportunities and tackle them without fear or judgement. I want to be brave, strong, and courageous. I want to live life with intention and spend my time with people that uplift, support, and respect me. I want to be spontaneous and allow myself to have fun with no strings attached. I trust and believe that 2023 will be an even better year and I’m ready for what’s to come. Are you?
What are some of your goals for the new year?
Turning Wellness into a Lifestyle 