2023

I believe that every year we live through teaches us lessons that make us understand ourselves better. In an effort to hold myself accountable in 2024, as well as being transparent and vulnerable with the world, I’ve decided to compile a list of what I took away from this year and share it with the community here.

1. Choose Happiness

To be completely honest, this was the first year I realized that if I wanted to be happy, I had to choose to actively do so. When I made the decision to try to become the best version of myself, I understood that the reason I was so miserable was because I would do things that did not give me any joy. I’d intentionally make myself upset because I thought it was what I deserved. It was not.

2. Putting Myself First

Unfortunately, I am a victim of FOMO combined with peer pressure. For years, I would go to events, not because I necessarily wanted to, but because other people told me they expected my presence. That has led me to being in several situations where all I wanted to do was hide in the bathroom and cry. This year, for the first time, I began to only go out if I knew it would make me feel happy and emotionally safe.

3. Set Boundaries

This is truly so basic, but setting boundaries is really important! I’ve always struggled with completely cutting people off, but this year I actually did it! With many different people! I think it’s maybe the biggest change I’ve made this year. I feel like surrounding myself with people who make me feel supported and loved has helped me grow in ways I didn’t think was possible, and removing people who filled me with self doubt has allowed me to become my most unabashed self. 

4. Take Risks!

Finally, this year, I decided it was time to stop being a hermit and throw myself into the world fully. That in of itself was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding. By taking risks, I’ve met some of the most incredible people who inspire me to be better every single day. Even starting this website was a risk! And I find that it is one of my biggest sources of joy and the thing I’m most proud of.