Wow. I don’t know about you, but my 2023 was a dumpster fire on wheels. There are definitely a few small wins worth celebrating, but for the most part, this year had me grabbing my ankles from start to finish. Luckily for me, I understand alchemy and the beauty that can be built from a year full of so many “life lessons”.
In September, the same time that I began this newsletter, I began making more serious and intentional “shifts” in my life, despite the discomfort. Showing up here, as intimate and authentic as possible being one of them. It hasn’t been easy to be vulnerable and allow others to read my most personal thoughts and memories, but the process has been such a catalyst for showing up more grounded and genuine in every facet of my life. For those who have been witness to this process and have shown their support, I am deeply grateful for you.
Here are some of the shifts, “in’s and out’s”, and general things I want to move forward with or leave behind as I ease deeper into Winter and prepare for the new year:
In:
Slow gratification
Eating and cooking with the seasons
Hand written letters
Embracing personal style over following online trends
More passive forms of income
Bigger bank accounts
Consistency
Committed, intimate relationships
Taking time to make decisions
JOMO (Joy of missing out)
Podcasts
Taking more pictures
Big earrings
Tailored clothes
Holding others to higher standards
Slow food and slower fashion
Mixed metals
Textured walls
Writing for pleasure instead of entertainment
Selling artwork on a larger scale
Buying land
Yoga and somatic exercises
Handmade pasta
Voice texts
Natural hair and naked skin
Reading — for knowledge and for pleasure
Moving on from old storylines
Investment furniture pieces
Empty Amazon carts
Mocktails
Abandoning familiar comfort zones
Showing up authentic in every situation
Out:
Minimalism as an aesthetic
Hustle mentality
Fierce “singleness” as an identity form or symbol of empowerment
Scrolling social media
Forgetting to floss
Spending based on a “live in the moment” philosophy
Store bought bread
Excuses — making or taking
Predictable sex
FOMO
Binging watching TV as a form of self care
Entertaining anything resembling a “situation-ship”
Fear based decision-making
Instant gratification
Rushing
Tolerating passive aggressiveness
Only doing what is quick or easy
Casually dating and hook-up culture
Fast furniture
Multitasking
Clutter — of any kind, in any space
Sleeping in
Skipping workouts
Hangovers
Feeling shame for guilty pleasures
There will be lots more from so long, Sue in 2024 so stay tuned. Happy new year, friends.
You will do great in 2024!!! Kick the year in the butt and I can't wait to hear, well read all about it. You are smart, beautiful, and strong. The world can't stop you.