January, you were beautiful.
You gave me hope that 2023 will be a really good year. You showed me the good, the pretty, the kind, the beautiful, the unexpected, the hopeful and the blessed this month. You gave me all the feels including the feeling of being sick. I did not appreciate the mini vacation especially since I had to quarantine. BUT I am thankful you kept me safe and protected my loved ones.
A few words were pretty prominent throughout the month and kept seeing these themes:
Fresh Air// As I have gotten older, being outside has become more and more important for my well being. Any chance I can get, I want to be outside soaking up all the goodness fresh air can provide. I have found it clears my mind, it centers me and it gives me a new perspective. Looking out in the ocean, you suddenly seem pretty small compared to the sheer size of the water or the amount of sand pieces that are surrounding you. I am making it an unofficial goal of mine to be outside as much as possible this year. I can't wait to see all the things I can experience by being outside.
Contentment// One of the things I am very proud of is being content with life. I am at a point where things are good- status quo and I am really happy about that. It has taken me a long time to get here and it feels really good. The dictionary defines contentment as "a state of happiness and satisfaction " and that really describes how I feel now. Sure, could some things be different and are there some things I want to change? Yes, but I am content in the here and now.
Focus// I have been thinking about what I want to focus my energy on outside of work. I have a finite amount of time on weekends and before/ after work. I don't want to waste that time; that means that I need to focus on what really matters to me, in this season of life. Things that I thought used to matter, don't matter as much anymore and things that I didn't think mattered back then, now a matter a lot more. I am also trying to not be on my phone as much so I have taken up doing word search puzzles. I have books in all the places I frequent and I've been really proud of how many puzzle books I have completed since December (1 think 5!) Just like everyone else, I stare at a screen all day and its nice to give my break a workout AND stop staring at a screen. Kanoodle is also another favorite of mine for some screen-free fun.
Dry// In a weird twist of events, I completed dry January.... by complete accident. I went out to dinner in late December and that was the last time I had a drink. Wanna hear something crazy? I don't miss drinking whatsoever. I never had a problem with drinking and I felt like I had healthy boundaries with it. It's nice not having a puffy face because I was drinking or waking up the next morning feeling icky. I am not opposed to having a drink but I'm not seeking it out either. Also I've saved SO.MUCH.MONEY by not drinking. I will take that win any day!
and lastly,
Catch// Weirdly enough, I felt like I was behind all month. I don't think I did anything directly to contribute to this but I also think I spent a lot of time in real life compared to online; which was really refreshing. I was trying new things, yoga-ing, climbing, walking, running, enjoy life as I should be. On the flip side of Catch, I was caught up with friends and work and other important things in life. I realized that this month, that life is a juggling act. Sometimes one or two of the balls fall and that is okay! You can't do everything. OH and I caught C0v!D again so that rounded out this month. Catching C allowed me to catch up with posts on here and plan for the next two months. See it all works out in the end.
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Flashback
Because I always love looking back, my Dear January posts from 2021 and 2022 are here too.
In January 2021, I was struggling to focus and trying to balance school and work and blogging. That sneak peak of a new project never got off the ground due getting in my own darn way. In 2022, I spent a lot of time outside and being active. I realized I needed a break and took one without feeling guilty. I also saw some old coworkers at a surprise party that made me really happy.
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Gym update
I went to Retro Fitness 5 times; mostly early morning sessions. I feel the best in the mornings, and I love the people I see there. I did cardio and free weights. I am still hanging out upstairs- I have enjoyed the treadmill, rower and stair climber. There were new high-tech machines installed and I am pretty sure they are smarter than me! HA!
I went to Gravity Vault 4 times; twice before yoga and twice just to climb. I love my Astanga Yoga vibes. Its challenging but oh so fun. The teacher really makes the class amazing. I climbed 32 problems most of them at least twice. I was most proud of figuring out these 5 big blue kidney bean holds that were a V1.
I went for 4 walks outside. Double Trouble State Park, Island Beach State Park, around work on lunch with Tara and Blueberry Hill Trail. All of these days were beautiful; the lunch time walk was 66 degrees! in January! Tara and I HAD to go for a walk. It was such a treat! All these walks had different views: beach, state park, neighborhoods and woods.
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What I'm looking forward to in February
Seeing my favorite doctor for a check in; Cupid's Chase 5K; more yoga and climbing; a crochet group; Superbowl; Penelope's Birthday and more time outside
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Did you miss any of my posts from January? Find them below:
Happy New Year | Random #12 | 2022 Family Photos | Affirmations for 2023 | 12 in 12: The Plan | Word of the Year 2022 Recap | Word of the Year 2023 Reveal | Thoughts on Thirty-Five | Wild & Three | What's Up Wednesday | WGJ #37 | 12 in 12: January | 2023 Goals | Diary #37
[[Tanka: The good times that come after a long struggle or hardship]]
