Hello, 2023.
Farewell, 2022!
I usually end each year with a bit of reflection about the 365 days that have just passed. I also sketch out some intentions for the new year.
Then, all year long, I do my best to keep a planner going with bulleted notes in the margins of each weekly page spread. I jot down good things that happened or things I’m grateful for.
I used to journal daily, but in my adult life that has seemed a daunting task. Instead I “bullet journal” in my planner and then write more lengthy, meaningful, introspective entries in a journal as I find the time and inspiration.
Sometime in the past month, I read that anticipation is even more important than rewards when it comes to filling our brain with dopamine, the pleasure chemical.
That’s why I have started writing “Things I’m looking forward to” on each weekly page of my planner, in addition to things I’m grateful for or good things that happened that week.
I really love having things to look forward to – I think everyone does. When you have loved ones with depression and suicidal ideation, it can be especially helpful to get them to look ahead and be forward-focused.
When I think about my list of things to look forward to in 2023, it is pretty different from the list I made this time last year.
Last year, I was looking forward to big trips. For 2023, we’ve agreed as a family to take a year off from big travel and focus on what we have right here in front of us. We’re due for a year with no travel (or at least minimal travel!)
In 2022, we walked on beaches in California, Costa Rica and Kauai. We snorkeled coral reefs, we boated with both dolphins and crocodiles, we hiked and we swam in waterfalls. I stood in a jungle literally surrounded by monkeys without another human in sight. I got up to watch the sunrise over the Pacific on both coasts. It was a tremendous year for travel – very likely my best ever – and that is enough for now.
Also in 2022, we tore down and rebuilt our kitchen. Having a brand-new kitchen feels like having a brand-new house! I love it and it’s time to stay in one place and enjoy that for a while.
In 2023, I want to focus on being happy with what we have and where we are. I want to be more mindful and present with my family, in our home, and in our community. I want to focus on building my business and putting time into attracting and securing new clients. And, probably most important of all, I commit to spending less and saving more.
Younger versions of me might have found this 2023 list to be a bit boring and not much to look forward to, but the current me is pretty excited about the year we’ll have with a focus on these important things.
I’m grateful for all of the amazing experiences we had in 2022 that helped us to grow and learn. I’m ready to do lots more growing and learning in the new year!
What are you looking forward to in 2023? As always, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below or over on Instagram or Facebook.
