Word of the year: 2023

Welcome to 2023! To be sitting here, about to hit publish on my first post of 2023, it feels unbelievable. Each year I choose a word to help me stay focused on for the year ahead. I focus less on New Years resolutions and more on being intentional in one way, to benefit my entire life. New Years resolutions are great in theory: they help us to strive for something with a clear start date in mind. I personally live by the philosophy that if you want to impliment real change- there is no time like the present- start at any point during the year. 0

Over the past week, I have thought a lot on what I want this year to look like. I struggled to think of just one word to focus in on. I had stumbled across this years word and I had a bit of an “ah ha!” moment.

This year with be the year of less.

Allow me to be a bit more specific. To me, it doesn’t quite literally mean less of everything. I just want to be intentional in all areas of my life.

Less consumption, more creation: when it comes to social media. In 2022, I had hoped to be more consistent. I chose the word consistent for 2021. For a look at 2022’s word of the year, check it out here.

• Do I think I was consistent in the way I wanted to be? no, I don’t.
• Looking back, do I know why or why not? yes. (I had a promotion at work in the Spring of 2022 and it took MONTHS to settle in.)

In order to be more consistent, having good habits in place is a must. Over the past few years, scrolling and over consuming social media has robbed me of many productive hours of my life. Instead of mindlessly scrolling, I will use my time much more effectively- by praying, reading, learning or being creative in this space.

Less consumption of goods, more gratitude for what I have. Something I love to do is rewear and style things multiple ways. This year, I will shop less and focus in on what I already have. Being fiscally responsible will help me hit big goals and help me to fix my relationship with spending in general. I want to curate my closet, my makeup arsenal and everything in between.

Less negativity, more positivity. Being positive does not come naturally for me. I am a reformed pessimist and in some ways, have slowly slipped back into these old negative habits. The negativity often spills into other areas of my life causing stress and anxiety. Less negativity, less stress- that sounds wonderful to me!

Less no, more yes. Yes to all of the good things- I should say. With the Pandemic behind us, it is time to start living again. I want to travel more and have new experiences.

There are just a few ways where the word less will help shape 2023. Now it is your turn! share in the comments below what word resinates with you for 2023.