For me, 2022 was a both a very successful year and a year that I failed miserably.
It was the first time in at least six years I did not complete my reading goals. I did not complete any of the previous New Years resolutions. I said “no” to many things and said “yes” to too many things.
It was also the first year I completed a first draft of a new writing project. I went on a much needed writing retreat and met a bunch of supportive and lovely new friends. And I said “no” to many things.
This year was a desperate and desired recalibration. Emerging from pandemic taught me to slow down, to say no, to create space. And to really prioritize and find joy in small moments. Most of all, this year taught me better balance. I don’t have time for everything and if I’m passionate about a project (writing) then some things don’t get done (reading). And this year, I learned to be okay with that.
It’s hard. Women, parents, caregivers, we’re all taught to be all of it, all the time. If our house is a mess, or our daughter didn’t brush her teeth, we’re somehow lacking as a human. And that’s just not true.
So instead of doing a resolution list for next year, I go into 2023 with only one goal and that is to
Continue.
Continue to try. Try to be kind. Try to be patient. Calm. Continue to create space. Create support. Love. Hang out with positive and thoughtful people. And continue to say no and to let go of things that don’t serve us.
May your 2023 be a year of thoughtfulness. May my 2023 continue to be a year of space.
Kimberly majored in Songwriting and currently works full time in the music industry. When she's not listening to music, knitting or writing, you can find her outside reading her favorite genres: Young Adult, Adult Fiction, Mystery, and Romance.
I failed miserably in my reading goals last year, too, and have mixed feeling about it. I didn’t even love the majority of the books I read which is what makes me really sad about it. But I am trying not to be too hard on myself and am trying to go into the year with more mindfulness in my reading and life in general. Hope 2023 is an amazing year for you.