Instead of beating myself up this year and heading into 2023 thinking of the things I fell short of and resolve to change next year, I decided to list a few of the great things that I did for myself that I look forward to continuing!
Started going to therapy again. It had been a long time since I went to a therapist and this year, I realized that I needed it. BUT, I didn’t just want to go to a talk therapist. I had read about somatic therapy and man oh man it resonated deep within my core. Since our first meeting, my therapist and I have done lots of healing work through talking, sound bowl meditation, yoga (mainly Yin) and working thorough one of the most impactful books I have ever read called “Body Mindful Yoga”. It’s all about how words (external and internal) affect our body image. It gives insightful exercises that I journaled through and then worked through with my therapist. If you struggle with body image, negative self-talk, a negative self-perception, this book is highly recommended!
Moving my body in ways that I LIKE. I was so stuck in a cycle of lift, walk, rinse repeat that one day I asked myself – “Am I even enjoying my workouts anymore?” I was doing stuff I liked (lifting weights makes me feel like a badass and walking is GREAT for my mental health) but I really felt like I was just going through the motions. Once I started doing Crossfit and was reintroduced to handstands and jumping rope, I realized just how much fun I could have again! Of particular note is challenging myself to try and learn new jump rope moves like the crossover and getting back to doing double unders again. I also practice headstands every night next to my bed and feel so strong and balanced. Oh and I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention that dancing around to the Taylor Swift “Midnights” album on repeat was also very therapeutic this year (You’re On Your Own, Kid – SLAYS me EVERY TIME).
Reading personal development books and finding an outlet to share them. I love reading but always struggled to retain the awesome information that I would read. Jim Qwik says, “When I teach something, I get to learn it twice!” So, I decided to ask our training group at work if we could start a Yammer page where we could share personal and professional development information. They approved it and now I get to share the great info I learn from these books with my colleagues! It nudges me to take good notes while I read, summarize the material and then share it! My absolute favorite book this year was Atomic Habits!
Started Poshing on Poshmark! Over the pandemic, I realized just how many work clothes I have that I just don’t wear. Couple that with my booty gains from Crossfit and that rendered many of my pants unwearable. So, what is a gal to do when she is not expected to go into the office all that often with a closet busting at the seams with beautiful clothes? Poshmark to the rescue! I am able to sell my clothes to make some room in my closet and also make some of the money back that I paid for them. Want to give it a try too? Click here to use my code to get started!
Okay, your turn… what great things did you do for yourself this year? I would LOVE to hear about them in the comments!!
Cheers to 2023 dear friends. Let’s keep working to become our most confident and capable selves in midlife!