Happy New Year 2023
How someone celebrates the end of one year and the beginning of another varies greatly. From not even realizing it’s New Year’s Day to getting dressed up and partying with friends. I have definitely been on both sides of the spectrum over the years. This year, I just happen to be on the party side.
My friend and I rented a hotel room near Old Town where we were going to be celebrating. We left town early to run some errands, grab snacks and a quick dinner. We got to the hotel with plenty of time to eat in peace and get ready.
Another friend reached out offering me a sober ride if I needed it for later that night. I invited him to come with us. By the time we were ready; he was arriving at the hotel. It was perfect timing. It was raining a bit so he offered to drive us to the bar. We were very grateful.
We arrived at the bar we wanted to go to and were pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t packed like the last time we were there. We walked right in, no line. I even ran into some old friends that I hadn’t seen in years.
We rang in the new year of 2023 on the dance floor. Arms in the air, thighs sore from all the dancing before midnight and cheering.
It was pouring down rain when the bars shut down, but we arrived to the hotel safely. We snacked on some food and climbed into bed. What a wonderful night.
Remember that even if you didn’t go partying or drinking to celebrate the New Year, you didn’t do it “wrong.” If you fell asleep before midnight, it’s okay.
It’s now three days into 2023. It’s okay to not jump right into your most motivated self. It’s okay if you have already stopped doing your resolutions.
This morning when I started writing, I did have some negative thoughts about not having posted for the first two days of the year. That was short lived though. I had other priorities for the past two days, so I’m just now writing my first post for this year. AND THAT’S OKAY!
You can still have a productive year even if you haven’t been “perfect” the past couple days. It’s unrealistic to expect a drastic change to stick just because it’s a new year. In order to create habits, start with one thing. Wake up at the same time every day. Make breakfast every morning. Read before going to bed. Pick one thing you’d like to make into a habit and just focus on that. Once it’s a habit, then you can move on to adding something new. If it takes you a few tries to make it a habit, don’t beat yourself up. (At least not forever.) If you miss one day or even a couple days, that doesn’t mean you have to start all over either. Just get right back into it.
Welcome 2023, I’m grateful you’re here.
-Cassidy