Hi Wunderfully Well friends,
I feel like I say this every year, but I truly cannot believe that the year is coming to an end. 2023 absolutely flew by. It was a year of transformation and challenge, difficult conversations, and pushing myself to trust myself. I feel as though I have grown so much in the last year, specifically in my relationship with myself, which then impacts my relationships with others.
I truly made an effort to change habits that were no longer serving me and were holding me back from living the life I aspire to live. It was undeniably challenging but unquestionably rewarding.
With all of the experiences and insights gained throughout the year, I'm eager to share the top 23 lessons I learned in 2023:
Silence sends a clear message.
Not the silent treatment to others, but a recognition that when I want to withdraw or close off, it's a signal to speak up and resist the urge to remain silent. It's a prompt to express my truth.
The pause before the reaction has the power to save relationships.
Taking a moment to pause and breathe before reacting in a charged situation allows me to present a calmer, more grounded version of myself, preventing potential harm to relationships.
How the body feels in each moment can say a lot about our emotional state.
By staying in touch with how my body feels rather than succumbing to spiraling thoughts, I've learned to detect early signs of anxiety or nervousness, such as a tight chest and blurry vision. Because of this awareness, I am able to notice those feelings sooner and then take action to address them, minimizing the time spent feeling unsettled.
There is diversity in healing.
What works for me may not work for you. We all have different ways of healing and connecting to our inner selves.
Emotional safety = feeling seen and heard.
In the longevity game, rest is as crucial as movement.
Getting an idea off of the ground is the hardest part.
Break down the idea into smaller tasks for better management.
Everyone can benefit from mental health support, such as a therapist.
Budgeting supports in ensuring my money is going to places that align with my values.
Since I have started a budget and tracking my expenses, I have been able to see where my money is going and if it aligns with my goals and values.
Audiobooks are highly underrated.
Moderation is key, despite it being a cliché to say.
Having difficult conversations, even though it feels like a death sentence, is worth it every time.
Breaking bad habits is possible, it just requires consistency and determination.
I was a chronic nail-biter. I am no longer a chronic nail-biter. I simply stuck to my guns and stopped, after 25ish years of the habit. It took dedication, commitment, and discipline but it was worth it.
Taking responsibility for my life has been the greatest gift I have given myself.
Choosing to not take responsibility for others’ feelings/actions has also been the greatest gift I have given myself.
My former tendency was to constantly seek approval and please others, often at the expense of neglecting my own needs. Embarking on my healing journey, I've consciously shifted away from the concern of how others might feel if it means suppressing my true self. Recognizing that my needs are equally important, I've committed to no longer brushing them to the side to ensure others' contentment. I am actively cultivating trust that if others have concerns with me, they will communicate them, providing an opportunity for a respectful and constructive discussion.
Nature is the best medicine to calm the mind.
In times of stress or sadness, turning to nature helps me decompress, breathe deeper, and gain a calmer, more centered perspective.
Our bodies are capable of more than we think they are and our mind allows.
As emphasized in the Comfort Crisis (my favorite book I read in 2023)
Shame is the thief of joy and authenticity.
Honesty, even if it is painful, is always better than withholding the truth.
The truth will always find a way to come to the surface. It is better to let it out sooner than later so that the impact is less intense.
No one is thinking about us more than we are; they are thinking about themselves.
Investing in mental health and emotional well-being has a compounding impact.
Allocating time and resources to well-being breaks generational trauma, models positive habits, and positively impacts others.
Protecting and connecting with my inner child allows me to be more compassionate towards myself and others.
No ones opinion of myself matters more than my own. The relationship I have with myself will impact my relationships with others.
As the year concludes, I hope it brought you wonderful memories, opportunities for growth, and plenty of time in nature.
I can’t wait for all that Wunderfully Well has in store for 2024!
Happy new year, ya’ll :)