Fresh Focus in the New Year

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focus in new year. woman sitting on ground next to bike

2022 was a year. Literally.

It was stressful, beautiful, exciting, heartbreaking, and overwhelming.

It was 365 days of the highest highs, the lowest lows, and a wide range of emotions in between.

At the end of each year, I can’t help but reflect. Those reflections always lead to some serious internal dialogue, manifestations, and ultimately… personal growth and a fresh focus for the year.

Here’s what I plan to leave in 2022 and what I plan on clinging to for dear life in 2023 as we buckle up for another trip around the sun. 

Staying in 2022.

Relationships that leave me feeling drained.

I refuse to spend time and energy on those who make me feel mentally and emotionally exhausted. There are plenty of people on this planet who fill my cup, I will not waste any more time on those who do nothing but drain it.

Overcommitting myself.

Both personally and professionally. Being involved in so many different things always keeps me on my toes and is wonderful for growth, but typically at the cost of my mental health. This year I will say yes to the opportunities I truly find valuable and pass on those that aren’t. Just because you’re presented with an opportunity, doesn’t mean you have to take it. The FOMO may be real at times, but that’s a price I’m willing to pay for more flexibility in my life.

Self-doubt.

I spent a lot of 2022 doubting myself. Some of that was the people I surrounded myself with, some of that was my brain getting a little too loud and creating scenarios that maybe weren’t reality. Either way, I know what I am capable of and I will not be wasting mental capacity letting myself or others convince me otherwise. Even if that means I have to stand in front of the mirror every morning for 365 days and repeat over and over “You’ve got this!”

Lack of boundaries.

I’m such a yes man. You tell me to jump and I’ll say “how high!” This is how I end up overcommitting, but also how I end up being treated poorly and in wind up in a bad mental state. I will be setting clearer boundaries in 2023 and trying like hell to honor them! Being taken advantage of and walking down the path that leads to self-loathing stays in 2022!

My Focus in 2023

Relationships that build me up.

I have some amazing relationships and for that I am so grateful. I will be clinging tightly to those who put a smile on my face and leave me feeling fulfilled. Having people who remind you of worth when you forget your value are key in 2023.

Passion projects.

I want to do more of what makes me happy. Not just doing things I have to do, but making time and space for things I want to do! Maybe this is the year I let the home organization slide a bit and make time to finally write that children’s book?

Travel.

This serves me every year. Planning a trip, even if it’s 9 months out, having something on my calendar to look forward to is always a mood booster. It helps me stay the course when I start get off track or distracted. I plan on taking the time to unplug, recharge, explore new places, and make new memories with those I cherish.

Health & wellbeing

Striving for progress, not perfection. Therapy, consistent movement, and healthy relationships are the name of the game for 2023.  

Intentions are set and hopes are high!

Cheers to a fresh focus and honoring commitment we’ve made to being the best version our ourselves in the new year.

We’ve got this!

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Kinzy Gillespie
Kinzy is a self-proclaimed “cool mom” to 3 spirited kids: Kellan (2012), Harper (2014), and Charlotte (2019). Her husband James is a Des Moines Firefighter whose only real downfall is his wholehearted participation in “Movember.” When she’s not working diligently to answer the ten thousand questions her kids ask in a day, she can be found slamming coffee, adding things to her shopping carts online knowing full well she’ll never actually checkout, and laughing at her own jokes. She spends most of her days reminiscing about when naps were still a thing, avoiding household chores, and striving to perfect the work/life balance.

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