2023...

With young Jack nestled into his crib, and Clarice all cozy under our comforter... Megan and I climbed into bed long before midnight. We barely made it until the ball dropped in Times Square before we zonked out and called it a year. We woke up briefly to the sounds of "happy new year" text messages from random friends and family... we leaned over, gave each other a new year peck and passed back out. Even though we were supposed to wake up at 5:30 (trying to get back into our old schedules), I enabled us to sleep in for just a bit longer. As we got up to start our day, 01/01/23 didn't feel a whole lot different than the last 90 days before it. So, how is 2023 going to be different than 2022? That decision is solely up to me. Here are some of the things, in no particular order, that I would like to happen in the new year. I won't call 'em resolutions per se, maybe goals or inspirations. In 2023, I want...

to be a more diligent writer...

This year, I'm going to renew my dedication to pay more attention to my writing. That (hopefully) means more blog entries as well as utilizing my handy dandy journal more often. It's a super nice journal, that (so far) I've only used to write about our honeymoon adventures in Georgia. I've always felt that writing via pen and paper has always "meant" more. It takes time to write that way and you have to be more intentional with your writing. You can't just hit the "delete" button. So, there should be more of that intentional writing in 2023.

to take at least ONE road trip...

Life with an infant and a pug will complicate things, but absolutely nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. Where might we go? Dallas? Denver? A return to Georgia? Megan's inaugural visit to Utah. Shortly after Dad passed away, I started knocking around the idea of renting one of those smaller RV's. I could pack up my fam and my dog, and hit the road. I think that would be a blast. That might take a little more planning and strategizing, so I might have to set my sights a little lower first. Dallas? Houston? Denver?

to lose some WEIGHT...

I have given excuses for faaaarrrrr too long. First it was "meh, I'm school" and then it was "meh, my wife is pregnant." Now I'm no longer in school and my wife is no longer pregnant and I feel so gross. My goal is to lose like 95 pounds before the end of the year, that's like 8 pounds a month. That is SUPER achievable, if I can just stay disciplined and focused.

to take advantage of my time at work to LEARN...

January 18th will mark my one-year anniversary with Northcare. I've been a therapist nearly that whole time. A little over a week before my anniversary, I'll start my new position within NC as an outpatient team lead. I'll still get to work as a therapist, but part of my job will now be providing clinical supervision for a team of therapists, case managers and peer recovery support specialists. Before I started working at NC, I told myself that I was just going to view my time with the agency as an extension of school. While I'm under supervision, I need to take these opportunities to learn and take in all the experiences. This new position just opens additional doors and learning opportunities.

to enjoy my time with my family and friends...

Work can be rough. It's mentally and emotionally draining. It can be difficult to NOT bring some of that home. I'm going to try my hardest to make sure that I'm appropriately managing my time. Work is work, but my time is MY time. I'm going to reward myself by enjoying time with my wife, my son, my family, my pug, and those closest to me.

Those sound like some pretty good goals? Inspirations? Here's to 2023. May the odds be ever in my favor...