2023, a new year is on the horizon. Another year full of so much hope, more-so than ever.
This pandemic has been long. Almost 3 years of our lives have been encompassed by fear, masks, the unknown, vaccines…the list goes on. While 2022 did bring more freedom, more normalcy, more LIFE…we are still under the veil of the pandemic.
No matter where you stand on any of the subject matter surrounding the pandemic, we are all in this together. Charting unknown territory every step we take. Not knowing if we are making the right decisions. Praying for it to end.
We may have lost three “normal” years of our lives, but I’d like to think that we have gained so much more.
- More empathy for others
- More encouragement from our friends and neighbors
- More love for our family
- More courage to venture into the unknown
- More compassion for others
- More strength as parents
- More perspective
While thinking about what we have gained brings me peace, there are also moments when I feel defeated by this pandemic. Moments where I just want to give up. Moments that make me stop and really think about how far we have come during this past 2 years of hell.
But it’s those moments that make me remember how immensely fortunate and blessed we are. They are reminders to be grateful and to appreciate all the little things we have.
As I reflect on 2022, I am humbled by the events that have unfolded and I can’t help but to feel immense gratitude and joy. As difficult as so much of 2022 was, it was also so incredible. I am beyond thankful for the growth of Orlando Mom Collective and for the chance to run a business and make an impact on the lives of others, and for forging new friendships and relationships.
2022 was not another “wasted year” like 2020 and 2021 were.
I did not go into 2021 with the goal of owning Orlando Mom, instead I had goals of growing my business and making a bigger impact. Seems like those goals manifested in their own way! I was floored when the opportunity to take over OMC presented itself to me and so excited to venture into this new world. All of the hoping and praying and goal setting I had done for myself seemed to be paying off in an unexpected way. Taking over Orlando Mom Collective was definitely the highlight of my 2021!
I did not go into 2022 with any plans other to evolve as a person, mother, business owner and friend.
In it’s own way, 2022 felt kinda-normal.
We ate out, we saw friends, we visited family, we went to the mall, we attended a couple of events…we felt more like “us” and felt more JOY than we had all of 2020 and 2021. It was not the year we hoped for, but, it was far better than the previous year- that is for sure.
2023 is here
With the hope that the dawn of a new year brings, there often comes resolutions to be “more this way” or “better at this” etc. but I have found over the years that setting intentions is much more powerful than having resolutions.
Let me explain.
Intention: A thing intended, an aim or a plan. Purpose or attitude toward the effect of one’s actions or conduct.
New Year Resolutions:ย Aย tradition in which a person makes a promise to do an act of self-improvement or something slightly nice…ย What began as a way to “kick bad habits”.
You see, we all have good and bad habits. We are aware of the things that need to change (i.e. bad habits-for me, potty mouth) and the things that we could definitely do more of (for me-focusing on ME). We know that having a “New Year’s Resolution” is a traditional way to kick ourselves in the butt and make it happen. But truth be told, (according to statisticbrain.com) 24% of people that make a resolution fail. By setting an intention, we are giving ourselves a goal and a plan to attain that goal…not just a wish for things to change, but an action plan.
But, the key is to actually implement the goal and follow the plan that we set for ourselves.ย
So why not try something new this year?
For the past 5 years, I have started every new year with a vision board. And now as I reflect on this past year, I realize that so much of what I have wanted for myself has come true. It is the “action” behind the “want” that helps us succeed.ย
So, will you join me as I plan to kick 2023 off with intentions NOT resolutions?
Setting goals and having a plan to attain those goals is going to be more beneficial than a resolution.
The “plan” behind the goal is simple….it is the action.
- Write it down- Set intentions and work towards them daily.
- Create an action plan for how you can achieve each goal- Break it down.
- Focus on your goals and Visualize your intentions.
- Say affirmations and Believe in yourself.
It might even feel therapeutic and freeing to try something new…like a new relationship. We all know that every relationship that we are in is “work”, right? So I am approaching this years intentions as a new relationship. I will work on it every day!
I also choose a word of the year for every new year.ย
My 2023 word is ELEVATE.
My 2022 word was EVOLVE.
Evolve: develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form.
Elevate: raise or lift up to a higher position.
I want to elevate Orlando Mom and also myself as a woman, a mother and a business owner. I want to live in my purpose- aligned with my highest self and revolutionize my life.
I am determined to make 2023 an incredible year, despite everything going on in the world around me. We can find the silver lining and make the most of it.
I am super excited to make my vision board and write in my gratitude journal/
2022 has really been a year of growth for me. Owning Orlando Mom Collective has brought me so much joy and I am looking forward to everything that 2023 has to offer!!
It’s full steam ahead for Orlando Mom Collective in 2023!
We have events, moms night out, play dates, networking opportunities and so many AMAZING giveaways already lined up!!! I am so excited for everything that is to come as Orlando Mom Collective elevates in 2023!
So, what are your intentions for 2023???
