My Resolution List for 2023

And The Grace I'm Allowing Myself.

This year, I’ve decided to do a different approach to goals and resolutions. I’ve not set strict limits on myself to achieve and reach aside for a few areas that I definitely need more discipline in. I’ve created categories and just set a general goal for each one.

2023 is the year I turn 25. It’s the year of the infamous “quarter-life crisis” and I’m not about to be extra hard on myself just because tradition demands it. I have goals. Whether or not I reach them is not 100% dependent upon me, as I’ve learned through adulthood so far. We experience grief, loss, setbacks, tragedies, wonderful news, and more.

All kinds of things, throughout the year, can affect our goals that we had at the beginning of the year. In 6 months it’s very possible they won’t align with who we are now. And that’s okay.

That said, here are my generalized goals for 2023!

Visit more state and national parks. I really want to experience the Indiana Dunes. I want to join the local Naturalist program this summer and learn everything I can about Astronomy, Nature, etc.!

Read at least 6 books - any books! They don’t have to be self-help, just something I would enjoy. I also don’t have to finish a book if I don’t like it.

Watch at least 2 documentaries or 1 documentary series per month. I want to learn. I crave knowledge and think this goal is a good way to monitor that!

Enjoy the little things. Too often I get caught up in what I’m doing and don’t actually enjoy the moment. I need to step back sometimes, breathe, and appreciate where I’m at and the present moment.

Cook at least twice per week, eat leftovers and get takeout a max of once per week.

• I know this one is going to be difficult. Life is hard and I deal with chronic pain. I don’t always have energy to cook. This is one of those “I’m giving myself grace” moments. My measure of success is how many times I resist the urge to get takeout because I just don’t want to cook, as opposed to berating myself for hurting or being mentally drained.

Learn Piano. I used to play and loved it! Life got in the way and I forgot how. I hope I can get my hands on a keyboard soon!

Volunteer with a local shelter.

See more beauty in daily life. This plays into enjoying the little things.

Meet my goal for candle sales. I want to make at least $1,500 in sales this year!

Be mindful, happy and grateful!

Ultimately, I want to be healthier, I want to know more, I want to enjoy life instead of just survive it. I didn’t put down a weight related goal because my body is doing its best. I need to do better and I am determined to.

Thanks for reading!