Ten days into 2023 and I am just beginning to find my footing. I spent the second half of last year recovering postpartum from a c-section, while finding a new normal as mom to three little kids. I expect much of this year will be continuing to find my way in this season.

There were plenty of hard and challenging moments in 2022, and also plenty of beautiful ones. Our last days as a family of four and first as a family of five, travels to Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee, my final pregnancy, welcoming our third baby, celebrating eleven years of marriage, and so many great times that now make for sweet memories.

The year 2022 was a year for growth, newness and expansion for my family. At the end of a year, I reflect on the previous 12 months. What worked? What didn’t? What fit? What didn’t? What should stay? What should go?

For many years, I set unrealistic resolutions and goals. A firm belief that as the clock struck midnight, my decisions, will-power, and grit would magically transform.

Perfectionism reigned at the defining line between greatness and failure. Looking back at New Years past, January 1 was less of an exciting, fresh start, and more so a retribution. Once upon a time, my rigid nutrition and excessive exercise made me less ‘healthy’, not more. I was too wrapped up in myself to see God’s beauty surrounding me. If you have personally never began a January with high and stressful expectations, then consider yourself lucky, and one of the few.

Through years of experience, work and growth, I vividly see and have learned from those past mistakes. I believe that yearning to better yourself is at the heart an important goal! May we never think so highly of ourselves that we see no or little room for improvement, or no longer want to grow and be better.

At the same time, goals and accomplishing said goals, should be sensible and good for our body and mind, not harmful. This year I am setting manageable expectations and building on the growth I have sought and earned little by little. I see 2023 as a building year, not as one to begin from scratch. And, for that, I am ever so grateful!

Never again will I return to the times of New Years past. I am happy to move forward and treat myself, my body and my mind with a healthy respect. I want to care for myself in the best way possible in hopes of being here for the very long haul for my family, and in thanks and respect to God for my blessings. What a gift life is and all the possibilities that this new year will bring!

This year marks 11 years since I began my blog, and 7 years with Beautycounter. I am continuing to reflect on the direction I want my online businesses to go in 2023. I know what I enjoy sharing most, and now is a good time to streamline and narrow. To keep what works and to let go what no longer serves. It may take trial and error, but I am hopeful to choose the work that feels worth my time and attention during this busy season. I appreciate all who continue to read. Thank you for encouraging me to grow, and allowing what I share to evolve.