2023 Resolutions Check-In

It’s always surreal to both realize and then to type/write that we are now a little more than halfway through the year. Maybe it’s because I live in New England, and so much of the first half of any given calendar year is spent in unpredictable, often miserable weather and/or indoors waiting for said weather to improve. Then, when it finally does and we can spend a lot more time outside in the warmth and sunshine- it’s July and Summer is well underway!

Or maybe I’m just getting older and time goes by a lot more quickly than it did when I was a kid. Who knows, right?

Either way, 2023 (so far!) has been a journey of self-reflection and discovery, figuring out what I want for myself and my future and how to achieve those wants in the coming months ahead. This year has seen me establishing healthy boundaries in my work/life balance, developing a schedule that allows me to be productive without burning myself out and giving me the confidence and freedom to say “no” when faced with unreasonable or unrealistic deadlines and expectations. I’ve started, and will continue to advocate for myself more in the workplace, especially in an environment that is still changing and evolving in a post-pandemic world.

The office isn’t the only place I’ve been establishing boundaries and advocating for myself. While I offer as much patience and grace as possible within my friendships and relationships, since I know how much of a toll the last couple of years and COVID-19 has taken on so many people (myself included)– it also doesn’t mean I have to accept or condone mistreatment or disrespect. I have walked away from friendships during the first half of 2023 that were no longer conducive to my happiness and emotional/mental well-being. That’s not to say it was easy, since I still have a lot of love for these people who were trusted and cherished in my life and I still wish nothing but the best for them- but I had to learn that it was okay to put myself and my feelings first sometimes.

It’s a lesson I’m still figuring out, really!

And while I’ve spent the first half of the year close to home and predominantly in New England, I still found the time to visit my beloved California and Maryland to see family and friends for spontaneous adventures and outings- and I’ve got a lot more travel planned to new places during the second half of 2023!

All that being said, I think it’s time to see how I’ve been doing on my actual resolutions that I set for myself this year. As a reminder, these were my goals I decided on at the end of 2022:

• Improve My Overall Health
• Save Money/Develop a New Financial Plan
• Revamp My Wardrobe
• Improve My Time Management

Since Spring, I have been working with a personal trainer/nutritionist to help me reach short-term fitness goals and begin working towards my long-term goals- and I’ve been loving the journey so far. Not only have I been performing exercises I didn’t even know existed that have been delivering impactful and visible results- but I’ve learned so much about my body and what works/doesn’t work for it’s benefit than I would have if I’d tried to do it entirely on my own!

My regimen is customized and fine-tuned for me and my needs- and I’m so thankful I took those first initial steps to getting healthier! I feel great, I have more energy, and I never feel like I’m depriving myself of joy when I prepare food or work out during the week. My trainer is phenomenal and has a great sense of humor- so it’s been a blast!

And although I haven’t enlisted the help of a financial advisor to help me with my money goals for 2023, I feel like I’ve been doing well enough on my own when it comes to saving and paying down bills in the first half of the year. I’ve developed a weekly/monthly budget and, with the exception of a couple of splurges here and there (for my own sanity)– have been vigilant with sticking to it.

I paid off my car so far this year, and am close to paying down things like my student loan and a credit card I used quite a bit at the height of the pandemic- which has only motivated me more and more to keep going!

When it comes to revamping my wardrobe, I spent the first half of 2023 building what I think is a pretty comprehensive ‘Capsule Wardrobe’ for my every day routine, which also makes packing much easier when I travel! A few pieces that are appropriate for any occasion, some dressier options for fancier events, and comfort clothes for days spent around the house, running errands, or struggling through PMS.

Trust me, having a good pair of sweatpants or some well-cushioned flip flops within reach is necessary sometimes.

And finally, I talked about building a healthier work/life balance and establishing boundaries at my job earlier, and it was because of this resolution! It’s been a process with plenty of ups and downs, but regaining my confidence and my footing to make sure I’m not being taken advantage, undervalued in the workplace or giving up my “me time” for the sake of my career is a necessity right now.

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And there we have it! My 2023 Resolutions “check-in”! It’s all still very much a work in progress, but I’m quite pleased with my results so far- and I’m grateful I’ve got some more time to complete them before we wrap up 2023 in its entirety. These mid-year recaps really help to refocus me and motivate me as we keep moving forward.

Here’s hoping that anyone reading this who also set any sort of short-term or long-term goals for themselves for the year have been finding success with their efforts and journeys! I hope you’ve all had a sensational first half of your year so far, and that the second half is just as good, if not better!

xo