What good is working for yourself if you can't enjoy the benefits?

I can’t even believe I’m writing a New Year’s post. Wasn’t it just July? Or maybe October? I’m not even sure what day it is, but I do know this year has flown by with record speed. For a year bookended by COVID infections, 2022 turned out pretty great.

My year began in quarantine, and I remember thinking that starting the year alone and sick was probably a bad sign. Luckily, I was wrong. Although, I certainly didn’t think I’d be ending the year with COVID, too. Good riddance! Still, this year brought some incredible professional achievements like hitting big sales goals, speaking about my mental health work, helping clients share their important work, and winning Women's Business League member of the year.

I’ve done some fun things this year, too, like taking on a co-presidency role at the Dedham Square Circle , traveling to France, going to Kripalu, and celebrating my big 4-0. And on a personal level, I have made some major leaps in my confidence and my mental health. Joining an anxiety support group and going alcohol-free (7 months and counting!) have forever changed my mental well-being. (And, for the record, the glass in the picture is apple cider.)

Now, I could end it there and wish you all a happy new year. But then I wouldn't be me. I have come to understand that people appreciate my honesty and vulnerability, so that’s why I want to share that 2022 brought many lows, too. Lows of all kinds—everything from small gaffs in my business to large, ugly personal decisions. For me, those lows are lessons to take with me into 2023 and beyond. I always try to self-reflect and see the lesson in things. Usually, in my true Dorothy-esque fashion, the answer was always in front of me. I just have to figure things out myself. ?

One thing I’ve learned is that 2023 will be a year to focus on my health. In 2022, I worked way too much, didn’t take enough breaks, and pushed myself to my limits. And I paid for it. I worked through the whole summer, ended up getting really sick in France, and brought my laptop more places than I care to admit. So now it’s time to really lean into getting help, setting up systems, and incorporating self-care. My business has grown, but what good is working for myself if I can’t enjoy the benefits?

While the plan is to be healthier and work less, I still have big plans for my business in 2023. I still want to be an advocate for mental wellness and share my story. And, of course, I still want to do all the fun things like contributing to my community, traveling, and world domination. Kidding on that last one, of course. For now, though, I want to spend these last few days of 2022 relishing all that I have accomplished and reflecting on all the ways I want to do better. In the meantime, I want to wish you all a very happy new year! ?