As the end of another year draws to a close, I can’t help but reflect on everything that I’ve experienced and learned in 2022. It was truly a year that I will never forget, and one that inspired me to grow and evolve in abundance.
There are countless memories in 2022 that stick out to me as defining moments; some beautiful and joyful, some absolutely gut-wrenching and terrifying. But even the scariest situations that I faced this year still pushed me to grow. Sometimes, the best and worst moments of life happen in the same breath, and can simultaneously help shape us into the ever-evolving creatures that we are. As a mother, as a friend, as a wife, as a woman – the past year has inspired me to look inward and cultivate my best self.
And of course symbiotically with reflecting, the New Year also inspires me to look to the future. There is so much to look forward to in 2023, and I can’t wait to share it all with you! For me, 2023 is all about living intentionally.
Intentional living is an idea I’ve long held close to my heart, but it wasn’t until Bella’s accident this year that I revisited what it truly means. Of course, I am all about manifesting, journaling, meditating, and plenty of the other activities that we associate with mindfulness and intentional living. But there are so many other ways that we can live intentionally in all moments of life.
Here’s how I plan to live intentionally in 2023:
- Get in alignment with my true self.
After Bella’s accident, I really took a deep dive into looking inward and connecting to myself on an intimate level. I consciously recognized that I wanted to evolve in a more spiritual way so that I could better serve my family and my community. This meant podcasts, journaling, reading, sitting with myself, being vulnerable, giving myself space. How can I continue to show up for the people around me if I don’t show up for myself? The new habits I picked up for myself in 2022 are set to become a pillar of my life in 2023.
- Practice mindful and intentional parenting.
As I’ve watched my oldest son, Roman, grow into an independent third grader, it has made me appreciate the “little” stage of life that my youngest son, Rocco, is currently in. You always hear “they grow up so fast!” but I have never felt that more than in the last year. I have really learned to slow down and live in the moment with each of my children. If they take an interest in something, I nurture that curiosity by spending time participating in that activity with them or helping them lean into it. I want my children to remember me purposefully showing an interest in their lives – and growing and learning alongside them.
This year also reminded me how important it is to find joy in and celebrate each other. Our 10-year anniversary in Italy as a family is a memory I will hold dear to my heart forever. Honoring each other in this way is going to become a regular part of 2023. Well, maybe not regular trips to Italy, as dreamy as that sounds…
Finally, this year has reminded me that it’s so important to let our kids be kids. Even in public, even when we’re feeling burnt out and overwhelmed, even when we don’t feel like it. A renewed and refreshed priority in 2023 is more playing, laughing, singing, dancing, and just being silly with my kids.
- Connect with my community.
Through the many events that I’ve helped bring to life this past year, I’ve learned that women thrive when we intentionally spend time with each other and hold space for one another. I cannot count the number of times I have heard that women feel like they have “lost themselves” or “don’t have time for themselves” because they are so accustomed to putting others’ needs before their own. We as women rarely take time for us – and that’s something that we’re changing in 2023! At my GATHER event this fall, there were so many beautiful connections formed and moments shared by just giving women the opportunity to speak, to tell their stories, to journal, to meet and laugh and cry and just be together. It created visceral power that could be felt vibrating through the room. And I don’t know about you, but I am all about more of that in 2023! Let’s validate each other, let’s take back our power, let’s lift each other up, let’s hold space for one another– because that’s when we flourish.
I have a flood of exciting plans for 2023 that I can’t wait to share with you – and I hope you’re feeling as inspired and hopeful as I am for all that this year will bring. There is so much to celebrate and look forward to with every year that we are given. For me, 2023 looks like time spent with myself, my family, and with this amazing community that continues to grow and inspire me with each year that passes! I hope you’ll be a part of it all.
To keep up with everything I’ve got coming up this year, be sure to join the community on Instagram (@bridjetmorris) and subscribe to my blog. I am so excited to see how we grow and change this year, and more than anything else – I wish you all a joyful and prosperous 2023!