During the stretch of time between Christmas and the New Year, I do a year-in-review and map out what I want to make happen next year.
I use different tools to help with this process. This year I used:
Susan Hyatt’s End of Year Report Card – a reflection tool where you give yourself a “grade” in various areas of your life.
Shenee Howard’s Bad Bitch Retreat Workbook – this tool helped me get out of my head and gain clarity on what I really want for 2023.
My Obsessed Workbook & Planner – I use my own planner to help break things down into 30-day chunks.
Here are some of my favorite reflections—things I’m proud of, not proud of, and what I’m excited for next year!
Things I’m Proud Of:
#1 – My Book!
My debut novel, Control, is done! It’s done!!!!!! And coming out on March 28, 2023!
I started writing this book at the end of 2018, and it’s been a real journey of self-discovery. I’ll share more about that as we inch closer to the book release, but OMG, IT’S DONE.
#2 – Focusing on Movement
I’m a writer, which means I spend very long hours hunched over my laptop, tapping away. I had a goal to prioritize moving my body more, and I’m proud to say on most days, I achieved it. I walk or hike 5-6 miles a day, and I started taking private dance classes 3-4 days a week—it’s been a complete blast!
I also got this under the desk walking pad, so now I can also get my steps in while I’m in meetings or writing. Life changing!
#3 – Firming up boundaries
As a formerly chronic people pleaser, I’ve been doing the work to eliminate those tendencies and setting & maintaining stronger boundaries. This has not been easy but has helped my mental health so much. One of my favorite resources is Natalie Lue from Baggage Reclaim. She has an excellent podcast and I’m counting the days until her book comes out in January!
#4 – New Movies!
I had 3 movies come out in 2022: Mommy’s Little Star, The Secret Lives of College Escorts, and Nightmare Neighborhood Moms – one of the highest-rated movies on Lifetime Network this year!
We also shot two of my movies that will release in 2023 – Who Killed Our Father and Nightmare Pageant Moms.
#5 – Starting a Writing Support Group
For the last 2 years, I’ve gotten together with my friend Jessie every week for a “support group” – sharing things about our writing, our careers, and our lives. It’s one of my favorite things to do!
We decided to bring this to the world by debuting the Writing Sprint Support Group. It was such a fabulous group with meaningful conversations, beautiful insights, and lots of writing completed! Can’t wait to host another one in 2023!
Things I’m Not Proud Of:
#1. Not letting things go
There are some things that don’t bother me. Like rejection, or failure, or people sending me nasty messages because they hated one of my movies.
Then, there are things that DO bother me. Like when someone I care about is angry with me (thanks, people pleasing!) Or interacting with very difficult people whom I’m unable to remove from my life (at least, right now.)
When I’m “in” a difficult situation, I can cope just fine. But I often struggle with the “aftermath” – combing over and over an argument in my mind and thinking of ways I could have done better, letting my brain get carried away with gloomy thoughts, or just generally acting pissy towards people who aren’t involved in these difficult interactions at all.
I’ve got help, and I’m working on it!
#2. Being too much of a homebody
I don’t think being an introverted homebody is a bad thing, but when my husband asked when the last time was that I drove a car, I realized how little I leave the house. LOL.
I love where I live. I find pure joy in my little home in the middle of a giant forest. I love snuggling my pups and cooking and reading and how cozy my bed is. Everything is here!
But I also love seeing friends who, unfortunately, do not live at my home, and most live in different states! I’d like to get out a bit (or a lot) more in 2023.
#3. Listening to other people’s opinions
Lots of people have opinions, and many are well-intentioned, but when things go wrong, I can typically trace it back to me – listening to an opinion – even when my gut was screaming not to.
What I’m most excited about for next year:
My novel coming out! I honestly don’t care if 10 people read it, I’m just so damn proud of myself.
Andddd… a new mentorship program that helps multi-passionate people bring more of themselves into their work and experience more fun & profits! I love helping people on a deeper level with their marketing, messaging, copy—all of it! More on that coming in January.
Favorite “bucket list” item:
In September, I ticked an item off my bucket list when I went with my friend Alex on a self-guided Twilight tour. We visited some Twilight movie hotspots in Washington, like the restaurant where Bella & Edward had their first date and La Push Beach. Obviously, we rewatched all of the movies.
Here’s the hotel we stayed in:
Hahahahahahaha
I learned so much on this trip. Like the fact that two major Twilight fans can totally flop on a scavenger hunt (we only got 3 out of 10???) And how Bella has better chemistry with Carlisle Cullen than Edward.
Silly things:
I started a TikTok account mostly to post fan videos of my favorite Turkish soap operas.
Favorite Reads:
*I prefer to read spicy fiction, so if you’re not into that, proceed carefully. 😉
Hooked (Book #1 of the Never After Series)
My Dark Vanessa (not spicy, but very harrowing read)
A Court of Silver Flames (Book #5 in a series, but it was the BEST in my apparently very unpopular opinion!)
Anne & Henry (not my first time reading, but I re-read it this year and LOVE it!)
Favorite 2022 Shows:
Tell Me Lies
Welcome to Flatch
Abbott Elementary
Reboot
House of the Dragon
White Lotus Season 2
Yalı Çapkını (this is a Turkish show – I watch a lot of them!)
Duy Beni (another Turkish show – like Turkish Gossip Girl!)
That’s all for now! I hope you found this little reflection helpful and that you have a fabulous New Year!
See you in your inbox in 2023!