If the month of January was any indication of how the rest of 2023 will go, I’m in for a fantastic year.
The moment the clock struck midnight on January 1st and the Times Square ball dropped as I kissed my husband, “Happy New Year,” I made the decision to put 2022 behind me and look forward to 2023. I decided that, above all else, I had to make happiness a priority, because life is too short and what truly matters is love, family, friends, and the memories you make.
But, as I mentioned in a newsletter past, I needed to ease into this year, to feel it out, take my time, and evaluate my priorities and what it was that I really wanted to get out of the (then) 12 months ahead.
I explained this new outlook to my therapist, and she told me I was the most level-headed and balanced she’d ever seen me since we started working together in 2021.
#Winning.
Fast-forward 31 days later, and I’m proud to say the positive vibes keep vibing.
To put things into perspective, by day 28 of 2023, Mark and I had already gone on three date nights, I’d seen three friends (I’m pretty sure I saw friends, like, five times total in 2022), I took a handful of baths enhanced with colorful bombs, read two good books and started a third, and did a ton of yoga. Like, so much yoga.
And I made it all happen even though I contracted a cold that hit me like whiplash in the middle of the month. It overtook my nose on a Tuesday and knocked me completely out by that Thursday. Somehow, I was almost completely fine by Saturday morning and could enjoy my weekend as planned.
I also made a point to take a few steps outside my comfort zone, and while I was nervous to do so, it paid off.
First, I got an astrology reading. If you’ve never had one of those, same! This was my first time. My editor and friend hooked me up with Lisa Stardust, and I signed up for an hour-long session. Prior to the session, Lisa requested my birth date, time, and location. When we hopped on the phone, she had my birth chart ready to go and made predictions about my year ahead based on my astrological placements.
Let’s just say, I can get down with what’s written in my stars.
She saw a lot of positive growth professionally, as well as creatively, in my near future. It was noted, however, that I am something of a sponge, and that too often my energy gets mixed up with other people’s energy. In other words, I need to protect my thoughts and feelings and keep my peace, so to speak.
Second, I joined a prayer group of sorts. It’s more of a discussion group, but it was hosted by the pastor who married Mark and me. It ran for only three weeks, and only met once per week, but it gave me the opportunity to talk to new people and explore some really thought-provoking questions about my life’s purpose in a spiritual sense, in relationships, and having to do with my passion. I’ve been craving a sense of spiritual connectivity and community, and this really helped dip my toes back into a regular practice of faith.
Third, I joined a writers’ group. In case you missed my last post on Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him, I called out that my dear friend Devon started a writing group she’s calling Oasis. It kicked off this past Sunday and will run through April 2nd. Essentially, we meet for one hour, starting at 12:30 pm EST, and at the top of the hour, Devon pulls a prompt from a hat and we let our minds wander for an hour, putting what we find on paper.
If you’d like to join us (and you totally should - it’s open to any and all writers), it started at $100 for the 9 weeks (~$10 per week), but a note from Devon: If that feels like too much, or you only want to pop in for some of the sessions, you can email her (message me for her email). Click here to learn more, and click here to join.
So, what’s my word for February? This may come as a shocker, and not *at all* a cliche, but my word for February is going to be love.
Before you roll your eyes, listen - the word feels right for me, and not just because of Valentine’s Day. I’m talking about love in all forms - romantic love, self-love, familial love, platonic love, etc. I’m celebrating it all and making it even more of a priority than I do now and I encourage you to do the same because, well, why not?
*** NOW FOR AN ANNOUNCEMENT ***
Starting in February (this month, friends - THIS MONTH), I will be kicking off not one but two new series in my newsletter!
The first is a passion project I have been brainstorming and organizing since last fall. I will be kicking off an author series, in which I will be interviewing authors on their upcoming titles and craft.
As a fiction writer myself, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to chat with authors I admire, and to share these conversations with all of you. I’ll be sharing my first author on Instagram stories this Thursday, February 2nd, so be sure to give me a follow over there!
My second series is called “Dressing Up” (aptly named by my editor and friend, Samantha Sutton). In this series, I will be sharing recent purchases, PR unboxings, and the occasional guide as I embark on a journey to fine-tune my wardrobe.
I’m leveling up in all the ways for 2023, and I’m so excited to have you along on the ride with me. If you’re loving Beyond My Byline, please share with any friends and family you think would also love the newsletter!
In case you missed my byline:
How To Have Healthy & Normal Poops, According To Nutrition Experts
6 Fashion Rules to Break in 2023, According to Stylists
How to Style a Jersey, According to Fashion Stylists
What to Wear On Freezing 30-Degree Days, According to Fashion Influencers
How fun! Can’t wait for all the fun in February!