2023 Reflections: A Journey of Growth & Gratitudes

2023 was a year of profound growth. As I reflect on the past year, I can’t help but smile at the person I’ve become.

From the ups and downs, the challenges I struggled through, and the victories that are now cherished memories, each experience has shaped me in so many ways. Join me as we delve into eleven simple yet profound insights and lessons that defined my year.

Social media isn’t real

Social media is a carefully curated highlight reel, not the full story. I truly miss the old days of social media where we posted random photos of our lives without a care of following a theme or using a filter. It can be easy to get caught up in a comparison game or allow imposter syndrome to invade. Embracing social detoxes allowed me to step back to reconnect with my authentic self and appreciate the real moments of my life, unfiltered and unscripted.

Set boundaries for yourself and don’t be afraid to say no

I met Nedra Glover Tawwab at a conference in January of last year where she led a breakout session on setting boundaries in your personal life and work life. Between that session, her book Set Boundaries, Find Peace and my therapist, I’ve been on a chopping block of reevaluating where I need boundaries in my life. Saying no doesn’t equate to selfishness but rather to self-care allowing me to prioritize my well-being and invest my time and energy where it truly matters.

The goal isn’t real until you set a hard date

Those dreams in your head will remain simply a dream until you set an action target date. Setting a concrete deadline adds urgency and purpose to the journey. Don’t sit on your aspirations for too long without a plan. I wrote a post about this titled, Breaking the Cycle of Procrastination.

Everyone should have an opportunity to experience therapy

Having a supportive, licensed professional to help guide me on my journey in life has been everything. Therapy isn’t solely reserved for navigating trauma; it’s a transformative tool for everyone for self-discovery and growth. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness.

Health is the real wealth

I’m trying to live a long and fulfilling life without restrictions on my mobility. Living a healthy lifestyle is beyond exercising and what the scale says. Nourish not just the body but also the mind and spirit. Take care of your body or it will force you to take care of it.

Embrace vulnerability

Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness. Allowing yourself to be open, authentic, and imperfect can lead to beautiful experiences. Every day I am learning to release more and more the fear of vulnerability. Its been a journey that I’m very proud of. Shoutout to my therapist and Brene Brown for encouraging me to show up as my authentic self every day.

Evaluate the people in your life

Take inventory of your circle. Cherish the relationships that uplift, inspire, and contribute positively to your growth. If you have people in your life who don’t contribute positively, you need to reevaluate their purpose in your life. Don’t be afraid to cut people off who don’t add value.

There is no true definition of success.

Stop chasing the “American Dream”. True fulfillment doesn’t come from conforming to societal expectations or materialistic pursuits. Instead, it’s about defining success on our terms, pursuing passions, and prioritizing personal well-being over external validations. You have the freedom to create your journey.

Find a creative outlet

Finding a creative outlet can serve as a beacon of light during life’s chaos. Whether it be art, writing, or any other form of artistic expression, engaging in creative activities brings joy, fostering self-expression and personal growth. Creativity is not just a luxury but a necessity for a balanced and fulfilled life.

Celebrate all wins no matter how big or small

No matter how big or small, celebrate your accomplishments. Whether it’s completing a goal or simply surviving a tough day, each accomplishment deserves recognition.

Don’t be afraid to fail… it’s going to happen

Embrace failure the next time you try something new. It’s a reminder that in moments of setbacks and challenges, there lies an opportunity for growth. Each stumble is a step toward resilience, teaching the lesson that failure is not the end but a crucial part of the journey.

As we move into the second month of 2024, I invite you to take a moment for yourself. Pause and reflect on what shaped your path in 2023. What’s one lesson that you’ve held close to bring into this year? I would love for you to share a comment below.

Remember, the unknown journeys are a learning opportunity. Embrace it, and who knows what valuable lessons are awaiting you on the other side. Here’s to a year filled with wisdom, growth, and the courage to navigate the unexpected.