Happy Monday, friends.
This week marks 2 months until 2024, and the start of this new season has me reflecting on these last ten months.
There’s a duality to 2023 that makes me smirk at the Universe. It’s been a painful year and it’s also been the most rewarding. Of all the lessons I’ve internalized these last ten months, the most important one is that as long as you hold onto who you want to be, you will find your way through any and all challenges. It won’t always be graceful, but you will survive the hurdle.
There are other lessons that I’ve learned, too. Some that took time to embrace, some that I had no other choice but to internalize, and others that I’ve just stumbled upon along the way. Of course, in the spirit of 2023, there are also some other lessons I’m still learning.
Here are 11 Valuable Lessons from 2023 (and, 7 more I’m working on)
What I let in is my choice and boundaries reflect that.
Affirmations and Gratitude DO change the molecular core of how you think & feel.
Responding brings so much more peace to your life than reacting.
Beat to your own drum, and don’t overthink it.
Create habits and routines for your productivity but give yourself grace if you have an off day. Take it moment by moment.
If you encounter the same situation or problem consistently, ask yourself “What is this trying to teach me?” and approach it differently the next time: you’ll see a resolution.
Transparency is led by confidence. Over-explaining is led by insecurity. Take note of what you’re talking about when you do either, and you’ll find your weak spots faster.
Be absolutely delusional with your dreams. Become addicted to your fantasies, and outline every detail of your visualizations. Soon, you’ll watch them unfold.
Walking away from situations, relationships, and scenarios is occasionally the only option. That doesn’t mean it won’t be unsettling at times. When it is, remember why you had to in the first place.
You don’t need outside validation: but, it is nice to receive.
When you find joy, passion, and purpose, you will require a lot of pivots along the way. Don’t become insecure about them: it’s the law of attraction opening up better paths based on your frequency.
And, 7 More Lessons I’m Still Working on:
Your wounds heal, but you won’t be able to anticipate when they trigger you. Give yourself grace when they do.
Your perfectionism is buried in control. Your need for control comes from being sucker punched. You’ve survived every sucker punch, right? So let go of some of this control.
Forgive people for your own peace: don’t let them back in for your own peace, too.
On the days you want revenge, remember how sweet Karma is.
You’re going to outgrow people, places, and things: it doesn’t negate their role in your roots, though.
One day off won’t stop your momentum… but, ruminating in that one day off will.
Your instinct has always served you: it’s when you don’t listen to it you find yourself in precarious situations.
The best gift you can give yourself is the ability to step out of auto-pilot. Whether it’s during your commute or a carved-out quiet time at night, give yourself permission to be present in your life and watch as lessons unfold. Many of these moments happen while cooking, and it’s why I’m so intent on sharing easy-to-make recipes with you. I want you to have those a-ha moments, and to feel like you’re here, again. I lived in an auto-pilot for most of my twenties. It was necessary for survival, but surviving and living are two very different approaches to our time here. For me, I only want to live- even if it means feeling the hard parts, too.
Speaking of pivots, lessons, and more……
The Salt with Soul Shop FINALLY reflects what I wanted to do all along! It’s a home and kitchen shop!
I DEFINITELY prematurely launched the shop this year, and I’m so grateful I did! It pushed me to dig deeper, be more creative, and learn. Even that singular 1-star review taught me a lesson on procurement, and it inspired me to find a better source. Every single print is created by me! No pre-made Canva templates, no lazy girl way out of this, and because of that, I feel like it’s finally a reflection of me, too. These are all products and designs I would put in my home. You know they’re good when you send your brother the Christmas blanket and he responds with “LOVE”, not knowing it’s your design.
You can view the full store HERE.
As always, I’m grateful you’re here. I’ll see you Thursday for a lil bit of Salt.