I had high hopes for 2022. 2020 COVID-19 hit our shores, 2021 was more of the same uncertainty and full of lock downs. Nothing really went to plan. So 2022 had to be better right? Ummm.... verdict is out on this one. I can see everyone feeling tired, burnt out and limping towards Christmas. It doesn't seem like the usual stress of this time of the year but more like three years of cumulative exhaustion. I feel you.
2022 for our family has been hard, we haven't had a healthy stretch of more than 2 weeks since March (yes, I track this in my diary, can't help myself). It's a challenge to stay positive when you are one Kindy cold away from wiping out the family's health and social events for a week or two!
That said, I'm a glass half full kind of person and know that I have a lot to be grateful for.
My daughter Arden is about to finish Prep and she is happy and thriving at school. Elodie turns 4 in February (definitely had enough of "three-nager" world) and will be headed to "Big Kindy" as she calls it in the new year. Anthony and I are more than 12 months into our new businesses and really finding our groove. He's my biggest champion and I feel so lucky to have him in my life. I'm so proud of what he's created with his business too.
Looking forward to next year, I'm turning 40 in August! This is exciting and I'm giving some thought to who I want to be, in 2023. Stay tuned for that blog in January.
I've been tracking my progress with my New Year's resolutions this year. If you follow me on social media, I do a wrap up everything month. So here's my self-assessed report card of how I went for the year. And for those of you thinking it - I realise there's still a month to go. But this is the person who bought all her Christmas gifts in October and sent Christmas cards in early November.
1. Lighten the mental load
4/10
I definitely made some inroads here but having sick children so frequently made me struggle with this one. I know I will always be a work in progress with this goal. But I'll keep working on it.
2. Have a strong body
7/10
I've found a studio where I get my self-practice for Pilates in twice a week. My walks have been temporarily paused (magpie season!) but I'm keen to get back to walking in the New Year. I never found my inner "water-baby" - maybe because I'm a Leo? Will give some thought to whether I try swimming again next year. I could possibly be that cliche about wanting to be fit and strong for 40....
3. Have a strong mind
8/10
I've been reading a lot but I'd like to listen to more podcasts next year. Open to suggestions!
4. Feel rested
3/10
I am a parent of small children. Not rested. Ever. Moving on.
5. Enjoy quality time with my husband
9/10
We've done so well on this one. We go for walks in Banks Street Reserve, grab a coffee at Mistress on Moore during the week or the occasional date night out. We continue to make time to talk and enjoy each other's company without the kids around.
6. Be present for my girls
8/10
I think we are all critical of ourselves as parents and think "could I have done that better?" I like to think that I have quality time with the kids. We enjoy 4-5 family dinners each week at 5pm and we talk about our "highs and lows of the day". We've had some fantastic family holidays this year - Mt Tamborine, a caravan holiday to Brooms Head, glamping farm-stay and there's still two beach trips this year. I am thankful for all of this quality time together.
7. Be grateful for what I have
5/10
I need to work on this one. Whilst I am grateful for what I have, this resolution was about journalling regularly. I've found that writing in a journal, and identifying what I'm grateful for, is therapeutic and it helps me put my annoying moments in life in perspective. But I only manage to do it twice a week, at best. I'd like to do more than that in 2023.
8. Feel challenged professionally
10/10
I completed a Trapeze course in July and I've found a great studio that I attend twice a week. It's nice having a connection with another instructor (you've all heard me rave about Emma) and talk small business, Pilates and life.
9. Nurture my adult friendships
10/10
Enjoy quality adult time with people that bring me joy. I think I've got this down. I have a great village of friends, many who also come to my studio. I'm very lucky to have my village, you know who you are.
10. Find my creative space
8/10
I've made more Kokedamas (Japanese moss ball plants) this year that I'd thought possible. I realise the value of a creative space and how relaxing it is for my mind. I will endeavour to find another creative outlet in 2023.
11. Nourish my body
7/10
I've cooked some great recipes this year and feel inspired to cook again. Possibly need to assess my Christmas food/drink intake for December (a few treats here and there are great, but I don't want to overindulge - could be the looming 40th birthday that's changed my point of view here). My personal choice - you do what makes you happy!
12. Give back by volunteering
11/10
Yes, I'm giving myself an 11. I overachieved here. If you've heard me talk about Tuckshop at Oakleigh School, I'm essentially running a business on top of my own business! It's a lot. I've learned that volunteering is fun but also hard if you don't set boundaries about how much time you are willing to give. I'm going to work on this in 2023. Give, but in moderation.
I'm pleased that I secured a $5000 grant for Elodie's kindergarten as well. They weren't successful in earlier attempts but when I did the application and changed the project, they got it. It was hard, time consuming and frustrating at times but the outcome is fantastic.
How do you feel you went in 2022? Are there things you want to work on in 2023? For clients at my studio, I'm excited to be on the journey with you. Fitter and stronger - both mentally and physically. I will keep you on track.
Till next year Wellspringers,
Love Holly
xx
Comments