2023 was filled with lots of life. Lot of lessons. Lots of home projects. Sinus infections. Mistakes. Mess ups. Zucchini. Squash. Long hair. Then short. Times two. Paper books. Yoga. Doubts. Fears. Failures. Growth. Loved one’s health scare. And love.

I am always one that looks forward to the end of a year; not really because it’s the end, but more so I enjoy taking the time to reflect on what was. While it’s true that you can technically start over whenever you want, whether a Monday in May or a Saturday in September, there is something about a brand new year that evokes anticipation, excitement and hope. What’s done is done but the future is there and ready, yet to be determined. Exciting stuff.

2023 in a Nutshell

Did all of the doctor things- physical, blood work, skin check, etc.

Slowed down in the kitchen and let the girls help me. Took the time to teach them. Not perfectly but better than before.

Realized Afrin nose spray causes me to get sinus infections. Basically had a sinus infection the whole summer and pretty positive the spray was why. (I am not a doctor-do your own research – just my opinion.)

Worked on lots of home projects – our master bedroom and bathroom, and entryway. We finally got our larger windows in the front of our home which we adore! Give me ALL the natural light.

Gardened. Realized we don’t eat a lot of vegetables and I much prefer herbs and flowers to squash and tomatoes.

Decluttered.

Tried new things – mood boards for others – playdoh kits.

Fell in love with yoga and did it the whole year – averaged 4-5 days a week. Very proud of myself I have stuck with it.

Didn’t lose any weight but feel healthier now than I did at the beginning of 2023.

Definitely ate healthier but there is still lots of room for improvement.

Read books. Kristin Hannah is still my favorite author.

Still didn’t wake up as early as I wanted to but made a little progress in this area.

Realized sleep and rest is something very important for health and I made that more of a priority this year and saw a huge difference in my overall well being and number of times I got sick.

Lightened my hair and a few days later used box dye to dye it back to brunette. Realized I am a true brunette.

Looking Ahead to 2024 – Get it Done or Don’t

I am really pumped for this coming year! What I want to focus on:

Walking. I will continue to do yoga but definitely need to implement some cardio- have my time and everything planned out which I have found is KEY for success.

Eating better and less. Cliche’, yes? But nevertheless, I want to lose some weight. “Get it done or don’t.” My motto for the year.

Figure out digestive issues.

Find a way to enjoy the heat more (always dread summer). Still working on a plan for this and moving to Montana is not one of my options.

De-clutter. Want to do a capsule wardrobe.

Backbone. Want to not be afraid to speak my truth or feel guilt for where I am in life. Stand up for what I believe in.

Encouraging others.

Rise earlier. (Every year this is a goal.)

Embrace the noise.

Be better about remembering important dates like birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

Set boundaries.

Read. Reading the New Testament with our church.

Trusting God, taking my life day by day.

It’s amazing how many things we can forget about our year, reflecting back and looking through journals, pictures, social media accounts, etc. is a great way to jog our memory. Looking forward to 2024 and thank you for taking the time to visit my blog! SO appreciate every single one of you. Much love to you in the coming year!!

xoxo,
Kayla