looking back on my 22 for 2022

I know I literally say this every year when I am writing these posts, but somehow it is officially 2023. It has taken me over a week to get in the groove and back to reality after the holidays and that’s okay! I am here, ready to kick start 2023 and be back on the blog. For anyone unfamiliar, each year since 2019 I have made a list of things I would like to accomplish throughout the year in lieu of typical “new year resolutions”. Here is my original post with my 22 for 2022 list as a refresher if you have absolutely no clue what I am talking about. 2022 turned out to be a monumental year and as it turns out, I am actually looking forward to the new year for the first time in what feels like forever.

1. Finish and publish book– While I have not finished my book yet, it has completely evolved from the original outline of what I thought it was going to be. It will truly be so much better than I could have imagined previously.
2. Write daily-even one sentence– While I have taken advantage of the Notes app on my phone quite a bit this year, I always strive to write more. I barely published on the blog which I am so happy to be getting back to.
3. Read daily- even one page– Surprisingly 2022 was a dud of a year for me when it came to reading. I think i have DNF’d more books this past year than I ever have before. I actually wound up in a complete reading slump and didn’t finish a book all fall until December!
4. Read 2 “classics”– I am going to carry this one over for 2023.
5. Embark on reading Outlander series– I am caught up on the TV show but did not continue reading past book 1 due to my slump LOL
6. Monitor blood pressure daily– I didn’t monitor daily, but I kept track regularly throughout the year and made sure to get my annual physical.
7. More endurance cardio to lower resting heart rate– Didn’t really track this one *shrugs*
8. Organize pantry– Mom and I did this and it is so much better than before!
9. Shred all old paperwork– It’s almost comical how long I have been telling myself I will do this and haven’t. This is another carry over.
10. Set up filing/organization for paperwork– Same here LOL
11. Archive all old Instagram posts/writing– I sort of started this? I plan to complete this task for sure.
12. Plan one epic trip– I still haven’t been on a plane since before the pandemic. I finally feel comfortable to plan something for the second half of 2023!
13. Start learning photography– Regrettably, I didn’t even attempt this. However… I made a point to take way more photos!
14. Learn more Excel– Considering I use Excel daily for work, I really want to become more proficient with it. I definitely plan to work on this.
15. Get a bike/start bike riding– I didn’t do this, not sure why!
16. One personal day a month OFF– This was one of my favorite items on this list. Enjoying time off and not feeling guilty or lazy is huge for me. I truly have been relaxing and recharging way more now, especially on weekends.
17. Try another new activity (kayaking/paddle boarding/rock climbing)– I originally planned to try out an indoor climbing gym, but wound up going outdoor hiking instead which I never realized I truly enjoy!
18. Explore locally (state parks, nearby cities/towns)– Exploring more of Myrtle Beach, Mount Pleasant, & Charleston (including state parks close to me) has been a true joy and plan to continue this as much as possible.
19. New recipe from a cookbook weekly– Maybe not weekly, but I have tried many new recipes from cookbooks and especially food blogs. I also love cooking/meal prep videos on YouTube.
20. Get designer handbag- FINALLY!– I got a second-hand Prada crossbody bag and absolutely LOVE it. Use it constantly.
21. Van Gogh in Charleston– I got to go see the Van Gogh exhibit with my boyfriend and we absolutely loved it. I am so glad I didn’t let it pass by again!
22. Create family tree– I really do want to complete this, but haven’t yet.

Here’s to 2023 and my new list 😉