Here we are, 2023. Every year since 2020 has sounded ridiculously futuristic to me and I just can't get used to it....("in the distant future the year is 2023...).

My New Year's plans this year involved a feast of frozen appetizers, binge watching White Lotus and in bed by 9:30. It was perfect. However I did take some time to take stock of the last year and do some reflecting on what worked, what didn't, and what I want to make of 2023.

I don't make "resolutions" because we all know those those tend to be broken or forgotten by February. They don't work for me, but I do like to do some journaling and lists of what I need more of, less of, and what actions I can start taking now that will get me to where I want to be in ten years time. 

What was on the list? It's a mishmash of ideas and words but here are some things that I'm carrying with me into the next year. 

3 things I want less of this year

Hustle 

In 2020 there was a lot of talk about "hustle" and I was all over it. Now, I'm so done. I don't want to hustle. I was to work slowly and thoughtfully, and be less motivated by output and capitalist goals.

Stuff

Here's the thing; by nature, I'm a packrat. By trade, I'm a seller of goods. I have a lot of stuff. So there's a need for organization, but also a need for minimalism in other areas of my life. A place for everything and everything in its place.

Scrolling

When you use Instagram for business, you're on it a lot. In the last few years, there's been a push that if you want your content to be seen you have to interact a lot with other accounts which just leads to more time scrolling. Content has gotten so polished (and also artificial) I don't think it's adding a lot of value to my life right now other than making me feel lesser in comparison. There's other ways I'd like to spend my time.

3 things I want more of in 2023

Homemade

Since I make handmade home decor, I spend all day making things with my hands. But lately I'm feeling an urge to expand that mentality to everything else. Bread, snack food, cleaning supplies, maybe even clothing (or at least start repairing things; I literally can't understand how my boys wear holes through the knees of their pants so fast). Less scrolling, more making.

Simplicity

As a mantra and as a way of living. I want to focus on living simply.

Homestead-ish living

You know those days where you feel fed up with society and you want to run away and live in the woods? I want to channel that feeling into a lifestyle (now) and an eventual self-sufficient property (future). I don't see it happening any time soon for us, but that doesn't mean I can't start building skills now.

So, 2023 will be whatever it is but these are the things in my brain starting out a new year and let's see where it take us!

L