My 2023 Words of the Year
We’re two weeks into 2023 and already, I can tell it’s going to be a great year.
Newborn life is an adventure, and I’m learning so much every day. You can read all the books, watch all the videos, and hear all of the advice, but when it comes down to it, caring for a newborn is such a unique experience that no one can truly prepare you for. I feel both empowered and ‘fake it until I make it’ at the same time.
Anyways, this year is a bit different for me in terms of setting goals, identifying New Year’s resolutions, etc. By early December, I usually have written a laundry list of goals and things I want to do or accomplish in the new year. This year, though, I was so focused on preparing myself mentally (and physically and emotionally) for labor and wondering what my “new normal” would look like, that anything after Vienna being born was pushed to the back burner of my mind.
But now that we’re here, in 2023, and my daughter is here, I’ve had time to reflect on 2022 and think about what this upcoming year might look like like. I’ve identified and written down my goals and am so excited about them. I’ve also chosen three words to focus on for 2023, like I do every year, and today I’m sharing those with you. Let’s get into it.
BALANCE.
I hold many roles: Wife, daughter, sister, friend, coworker…and now, Mom.
This year is going to challenge me in many ways, and one of those is balancing all of these roles and continuing to figure out who I am in the process. For example, this year, I’ll be learning how to balance work and life on a whole new level now that I have a baby. I know that balance is a daily commitment to figure out “how to do everything” (although we all know that ‘doing it all’ is impossible and unattainable). My prayer is that through every circumstance, I’ll be reminded that I can’t do it all on my own, and that is okay. It does not mean I’m a failure or a “bad (insert role here).” I know that I’ll need to give myself grace as I navigate this new chapter, and I’m excited to see how I’ll learn and grow in the process!
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”
PRESENT.
I want to stay present this year. Less scrolling, more observing. Less distraction, more intention. Less “busyness” and more connection. I want to be present to those around me…to really stop, listen, and connect with others. It’s so easy to be physically “present” yet mentally checked out, especially when I’m stressed or overwhelmed. My prayer for 2023 is that I’ll be present and show up for the people in my life, no matter what, because it’s so important.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
JOY.
I have felt overwhelming JOY in the last few weeks and going into 2023, I want to keep JOY as a focus every day. I started The Bible Recap this year, and each devotion ends with “HE (God) is where the joy is.” The Bible has so many verses about joy; it is an evident theme throughout Scripture and so important for everyday life. In all things, in all circumstances, and in everything I do, I pray that I’ll be able to find the joy, experience the joy, and know that God is where the joy is.
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”