Chapter 1: The Illusion of Time

It feels like just moments ago that we were wrapping up 2022, yet somehow it also feels like a decade has passed. The close of each year is an excellent opportunity for introspection and for setting intentions for the coming year. Each year, I observe the social media updates from acquaintances; some are basking in the glow of their achievements, while others express a desire to bid farewell to the year and start afresh.

According to some perspectives, if you don’t initiate your goals on January 1, you’ve already faltered. However, time is merely a construct. Though we all have a limited lifespan, the value of time is determined by the richness of our experiences.

We each possess the same number of hours in a day; it boils down to how we choose to utilize those hours. As a new mother of two, I would certainly appreciate a few extra hours to my day.

If 2020 taught me that anything is achievable, then 2023 has shown me the importance of embracing discomfort.

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Chapter 2: Embracing Discomfort

In 2023, I experienced discomfort on emotional, physical, and spiritual levels—there were moments when I wished I could escape my own skin. Spoiler alert: despite a hospital mishap (more on that later), I am still here.

Where Are You Headed?

The end of 2022 left me feeling lost after missing out on a house I believed was destined for us. I grappled with a sense of emptiness and a lack of direction. The solution? Help others and express gratitude.

I needed to reflect some light back to myself during a dark phase. I began the year filled with ambitious plans, a common theme for me. Yet, my initial steps felt overwhelming, making me question why every endeavor I began felt misguided. I had some soul-searching to do.

Then, I discovered a crucial truth: the right people will guide you toward your true path. Illuminating a dark space with the right company can yield more light than shouting into the sun.

I eventually found my space, my community, and most importantly, I rediscovered myself, all stemming from what I initially perceived as a blunder. One of my favorite quotes resonates profoundly with this experience: life isn't about becoming; it’s about revealing who we truly are.

When I felt out of sorts in early 2023, I kept reminding myself that challenges help unveil our authenticity.

Plot Twist!

I couldn't have scripted this year better. Just six weeks in, I found out I was pregnant—an unexpected turn of events. I was content as a mother of one and had no desire for change. In the midst of an expensive kitchen renovation, the thought of bringing another child into the mix was overwhelming.

After sharing the news with my husband, I felt paralyzed. I hadn't planned any creative announcements; I needed someone to shake me awake. My husband immediately declared what our baby's middle name would be, regardless of gender.

“What?” I thought, still processing the two blue lines.

Then he said, “We’re going to Paris.”

Had he forgotten about our kitchen remodel?

“It’s our only chance unless we want to wait for years,” he insisted.

Suddenly, my life felt like it was spiraling out of control, and I decided to go along with everything. Nothing felt real; it all seemed surreal. Paris? Sure! I couldn’t believe it, but go ahead and book those hotels!

Looking Back

As I reflect on the year, I often find myself chuckling. Many nights, I lay awake questioning if I had been “enough” that day. Had I done enough? Was I present enough? Had I tried hard enough?

The baby arrived. I have maternity photos in front of the Eiffel Tower, and I adore my kitchen. That simple intention I started the year with sparked a chain reaction that’s hard to put into words. It began without a plan, merely an intention, and it turned out to be sufficient.

Living well may well be about taking risks. Life would be mundane if we knew every twist and turn.

This year has illuminated that what is right for you cannot be suppressed. When you invest good energy, good things will return.

Additional Insights

• Avoid hiking while pregnant in Iceland; it’s risky.
• Steer clear of pregnancy jokes, even with close friends.

When I say this year unfolded in ways I never anticipated, please believe me. A part of me still grapples with the reality of that positive pregnancy test, and now that baby is three months old.

Reflecting on everything, it all clicks into place—the frozen moments, the relentless nausea, the anxiety of heading to the hospital ten days early, and the remarkable women who supported me when I was at my lowest. It all makes sense because I’ve emerged on the other side.

“Once You Do It…”

In high school, I delivered a speech during the National Honor Society Induction, quoting one of my favorite teachers: “Once you do it, you’ll always do it.” At 17, I believed this applied solely to exams and grades, but perhaps 2023's lesson was a deeper reflection on those words.

Life can deceive us into believing we need to conform or change. Yet, who we are—imperfect beings with good intentions—is more than enough.

In this video titled "Announcing 2023: A Year Of ___??," the speaker discusses their hopes and intentions for the new year, highlighting the importance of setting meaningful goals.

The video "And the ___ to Know the Difference" dives into the nuances of understanding life’s complexities, emphasizing self-awareness and growth in the face of challenges.