Wrapping Up the Year: What I Loved and Learned in 2023
December is the perfect time to reflect and regroup before the new year. I look forward to it, I savor it, and I try my very best to allow myself time at the end of each year just to be and enjoy.
You’ll see a lot of blogs, articles, and content over the next few weeks about planning for the new year and how to jumpstart your career, life, relationships, health, blah, blah, blah.
If I may, I would kindly advise you to place a hold on all things “planning” and resolution-related for the next few weeks and maybe, instead, focus your energy on what you accomplished this year, what you loved about your year, what you thought was absolutely sh*ty, and just allow that knowledge to wrap your mind and body in a soft blanket of reflection.
As soon as January 1, 2024, hits, I promise you’ll be ready to charge forward with inspiration and powerful motivation if you don’t wear yourself ragged over the holiday season.
So here I am, cozying up with a warm beverage and starting my annual wrap-up. Here’s what I loved and learned this year. I hope it provides you with some inspiration for your own reflection.
Five Things I Learned This Year
It’s Never Too Late
It’s never too late, or too early for that matter, to start something new. I launched a podcast this year and grew the Womanhood Unwrapped community to new heights. If I had told myself I wasn’t ready – I wasn’t. 😉 Or, I procrastinated because I was afraid – I was. 😅 None of the magic I’ve experienced this year would have unfolded.
It’s Okay to Be a Tapestry
Too many times, I’ve heard the perspective that you have to pick your career, or focus, or strategy, and it has to focus on one thing. Wrong.
You can have a diverse set of talents. You can run one business and simultaneously be part of another. You can be a mother and a business owner. You can be an entrepreneur and an employee. Stay flexible, and you’ll find your seat – even if it’s actually multiple seats. 👏
It Will All Unfold
I’ve told myself this many times. I’ve encouraged friends to remember this principle, and yet, the acceptance of this concept is still tough. But this year, I really just tried my absolute best to sit back and let things unfold. And by sit back, I mean work my ass off on the stuff I’ve been dreaming up for a long time. And, you know what? It worked.
The Best Things Are Not Boxed
There’s no right way to run a business, a life, a family, a career. There are, for sure, a ton of ways you will mess up, learn, and grow, but there’s no right way. There have been so many moments in the past year where I was reminded to keep myself out of the “boxed” format of life and trust my instincts and my knowledge.
Savor the Moments
I know this one is annoying and cliche, but it’s also really true. My daughter started middle school this year, and suddenly I realized, “Time is flying by!”
I have spent more time this year than ever before, letting myself sink into the moment, especially when spending it with my kiddos and enjoying their wonderful, funny, happy little personalities.
Five Books I Loved This Year
The Rose Code
This interesting and intricately written historical fiction novel had me stuck with my nose in the book from page one to the last page. If you love history and romance, this book by Kate Quinn is the right read for you!
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
If you’re a fan of books that take you through twists and turns of history, jumping back and forth in time, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is the perfect book for you! I loved how Taylor Jenkins Reid wrote this novel in a cinematic way that forces you to keep pace.
The Body Keeps Score
Not the easiest read, but an incredibly important book. The Body Keeps Score provides educated and well-researched depth and understanding of the factors of trauma and PTSD that affect how individuals progress in life, whether it be in a healthy or unhealthy manner. If you’re a trauma survivor or just want to understand how our bodies react to life experiences, this book by Bessel Van Der Kulk is a read for you.
Where the Crawdads Sing
It is an artfully written and beautiful yet haunting story of resilience and hardship. If you haven’t already read this wonderful bestselling book by Delia Owens, add it to your list!
Many Lives, Many Masters
Whether you are spiritually motivated or questioning what happens when we move on from this life, the theories and experiences of Brian L. Weiss will have you enthralled and wondering, what if?
Five Spotify Playlists I Couldn’t Stop Listening to This Year
FENSHIP Radio
Upbeat, fun, and poppy, with a bit of hip-hop and alternative. Great for motivation in your day!
Your Smith Radio
Folksy and fun. Great for workdays, with songs from Maggie Rogers, HAIM, Your Smith, and more!
Hozier Radio
Alternative, calm, and classic. Great for a dinner date or low-key get-together.
Camping Vibes ⛺
My own compilation of songs from now, the 2000s, 90s and beyond. Perfect for any camping trip or outdoor vacay.
Songs to Sing in the Car
This compilation by Spotify gets me in a good mood whether I’m cleaning, driving or just needing a boost!
Five Podcasts I Couldn’t Stop Listening to This Year
The Genius Life with Max Lugavere
ABC News’s Chief National Correspondent, Max, brings wit, knowledge, and fun to his podcast, all about his world experience and hacks to improve your life.
The Daily
From the New York Times, this well-researched and intelligent podcast takes a 20-minute deep dive into a news subject in each episode. Giving depth to some of the most talked about news stories.
Core Connections Podcast with Erica Ziel
Dedicated to sharing cutting-edge ideas, research, and insights about health, fitness, and wellness, this podcast challenges what you think you know about fitness and health.
Online Marketing Made Easy
This podcast from the amazing Amy Porterfield is my go-to listen for cutting-edge marketing insights, tactics, and strategies. Because let’s face it. Everything is online nowadays.
The F.E.E.L. Podcast
Hosted by my good friend, Melissa Crook, this podcast is about embracing the layers of who we are as women and humans. It’s all about building community, which I LOVE.
BONUS SHOUTOUT
Stages of She Podcast
Of Course, I can’t forget to give a shoutout to my podcast, which I co-host with female founder Kristina Godfrey and foodie/Instagram influencer Sara Strasbaugh.
We chat about all things health, wellness, lifestyle, and everything in between. It’s all from the perspective of our different stages and ages – the thirties, forties, and fifties.
Five Recipes I Made On Repeat
Of course, since I turned forty, I’ve had to give up gluten altogether. But that doesn’t mean I don’t get to enjoy my meals. The hard part is that I cook for a diverse family with all different restrictions and preferences. Here are a few recipes everyone loves!
Stuffed Peppers
I love this recipe from Foodie Crush. It’s classic ground beef stuffed bell peppers with a southwest twist. Dietary hack: You can make this recipe dairy-free or keto-friendly by either omitting the cheese or using gluten-free rice instead of regular rice! Here are the two rice options I order regularly for dishes like these: Lundberg Sustainable Basmati Rice or The Skinny Pasta Rice.
Chicken Shwarma
For a more flavorful dish, this recipe from Noshtastic has become a go-to in our home. We like to use a mix of chicken thighs and breasts because the leftovers are soo good on salads. I use basmati rice (see above) on the side and pair it with homemade tzatziki sauce. Try this recipe from Self Proclaimed Foodie.
Vegetable Quiche (Gluten Free)
My favorite for weekday mornings when we’re running off to school, work, and the rest!
I love this recipe from Life Love and Good Food. Here’s my favorite gluten-free crust recipe. And I LOVE the Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Floor.
Pasta Primavera & Meatballs (Gluten Free)
I am half-Italian and grew up eating pasta at least once a week! Now that I have my own family, we’ve carried on a weekly dinner tradition. This recipe is great for a diverse group because you can make gluten-free and regular pasta. Note: I have my version of a primavera sauce, but this recipe from Fork in the Kitchen is also good.
I just make sure the meatballs are gluten-free. Try this meatball recipe from Foodal. Here are my favorite gluten-free noodles.
Seared Ahi & Cucumber Salad
We love, love, love this recipe for a lighter, healthier, and quicker meal option on weeknights. There are tons of ways to sear ahi, but this recipe from Savory Experiments is my favorite!
Five Beauty Products I Discovered and Adore
If you’ve been following along with the blog or Stages of She podcast, you know that I am obsessed with finding the best products to protect my skin and allow me to age gracefully. These are my favorite beauty and skincare products from 2023.
The Ordinary Hydrolic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant that draws moisture from the environment and binds it to your skin for long-lasting hydration. It helps to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. I notice an immediate difference in my overall skin glow when I diligently use this!
Alive Intensity Niacinamide Serum Set
Niacinamide serum helps reduce dark spots, acne scars, redness, uneven skin tone, dullness, enlarged pores, and more. It also works to protect your skin from environmental damage while improving its overall texture. Do I need to say more?
Youth To The People Adaptogen Deep Facial Cream
With adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms that calm the skin when faced with daily stressors like UV rays and environmental pollutants, this has become my go-to daily facial cream. You can put your sunscreen and foundation right on top. It’s especially good for dry skin.
Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Eye Cream
This eye cream Contains a blend of micronutrients, copper PCA & calcium PCA. It helps target depleted collagen and boost moisture levels. It also visibly improves wrinkle texture, skin flexibility and combats eye puffiness.
Vegamour Gro Shampoo & Conditioner
This shampoo and conditioner seriously strengthens and smooths your hair! Formulated to combat thinning hair, this combo is your secret weapon to luscious locks.
What’s your wrap list for 2023?
Share with us in the comments. May your new year be filled with inspiration and wisdom from the lessons you’ve learned this time around.