Wow…2023 flew…and what a year it was. I tend to say, especially as I get older, seems like time truly flies – and before you know it December is upon us…
2023 certainly closed out in style. The last few weeks were filled with smiles with all the boys, family, love, and moments of reflection and solitude. I was gifted the opportunity to unplug from work a bit, put the phone down and truly ‘rest’ in a way that I often don’t allow myself to do. The end of 2023 also brought about a new decade in my chapter of life, as well as exciting changes and new chapters that I am excited and leaning into for 2024 and beyond.
2023 was a year of building ‘back’, finding grace, and unforeseen change. There was stability filled with the uncertainty of life in a way that created insanely magical moments, moments of working through the ‘hard’ and also finding myself in a way I have never been able to do. I continue to learn that the older I get, the less I knew. The older I get, the more comfort I have in not only myself, but in ‘less.’ The older I get, I cherish the times with true loved ones. The older I get the less I need for my cup to be filled, as long as I focus on the right elements to fill my cup.
As 2023 came to a close, I was gifted a journal from a dear friend who knows that I wake every morning and journal, pause for gratitude and take a moment to start the day. I have done it for 4 years and it is a consistent habit I intend to keep doing. Reminds me how precious the gift of life is, the items I am truly grateful for, and on most days, it forces me to not pick up my phone right away and take a moment to myself (which is a goal I have for 2024…not to look at my phone every waking moment…).
In this first week of 2024, I have sat with myself a bit, ramping back up to work and getting back into consistency with routine (often lost on me in the holidays – intentionally). I dug deep in my heart about what I personally (mind and body), professionally, and in my relationships, want to accomplish and set out to focus on in 2024. Personally, I am not one to set yearly goals, as I used to until I realized it caused major stress and lack of focusing on the right items to bring about the appropriate change and happiness. What I do focus on is to set intention for the year and check in with myself monthly and quarterly to see what is working, where do I need to tweak my focus, and what should I add or delete that is no longer serving me.
As I sat in my chair, me and my thoughts, I opened the journal and this quote jumped out on the page…
“Look for what is good and you will certainly find it.” -Anne Perry
LOVE IT. I asked myself “What do I want to be intentional about in 2024?” What came to my heart…in a nutshell…simplistic positivity. Harness the simple goodness life presents us with daily, be ambitious about what you dream and wake up daily to make those dreams reality, and never lose sight that positive energy pays off.
Simplistic Positivity.
In my personal life, I will focus on ‘less.’ Focusing on that which feeds the soul and creates abundance for myself, my family and my loved ones. It is time for me to focus more on what fuels my fire than fighting the challenges that often dim the flames. To continue to push myself to sit in the uncomfortable, in order to get to the root of what is truly “Meghan” – and then lean into that goodness. To remind myself that the woman in mirror is what matters…and to remember to love her and protect her.
Professionally, simply stated, wake up and focus “my customer.” What do I do every day to focus on achieving success for them? Less is more and remembering that this year will bring about its own challenges. By focusing on listening more, leaning in, and showing up in a way that is real – true success is not only built, but sustained. I have steep expectations of myself professionally, always have. So for me this year, to make those dreams become reality, I must concentrate on that impactful – which is not always the easiest path, but always the most fruitful.
In my relationships, is to lean into being the best partner, Mom, friend and human to society I know I am capable of. Less about what I want, more about what matters to those I love. To show up more effectively. To continue to give and serve my loved ones where and how they need me. To remember that the turn the “noise” of life off everyday for a moment and “sit” with those that mean the most – as what we do daily is for those around us that sacrifice and love us daily, and cherishing moments with loved ones is the gold of life. And to always take time weekly, monthly, and throughout the year to adventure and celebrate – as those memories are the gold and spark in this gift we call LIFE…It is too short to not…
2023 – what a year…filled with immense moments of gratitude. I am beyond thrilled for what 2024 has in store…something tells me that the simplistic positivity of 2024 is going to be one for the record books.
Happy 2024 to you all…let’s make this an amazing one…
