2022 was difficult for many people. I was lucky because most of my struggles last year were of my own making. And while I didn’t accomplish many of the things, I set out to do, I ended the year surrounded by the love of friends and my family and I don’t think it gets much better than that.

When I reflected on the year and thought about the word I wanted to choose as my foundation for 2023, as often the case, I kept returning to one that seemed obvious.

em·brace

/əmˈbrās/

to take or clasp in the arms; press to the bosom; hug.

to take or receive gladly or eagerly; accept willingly:to embrace an idea.

to avail oneself of:to embrace an opportunity.

to adopt (a profession, a religion, etc.):to embrace Buddhism.

to take in with the eye or the mind.

to encircle; surround; enclose:a secret garden embraced by wild shrubs.

to include or contain:An encyclopedia embraces a great number of subjects.

My goal for 2023 is to embrace my skills and talents. I want to lean in to the things I know I’m capable of doing. I want to embrace the community of friends and family, both figuratively and literally, around me as I’ve come to terms with the idea that the people in my life are there because they want to be. There is no reluctant obligation to do so. I don’t want to come to terms with getting old. I want to embrace it fully. Marveling at all of the amazing things this next stage of my life has to offer.

Here’s to 2023 and embracing the most authentic version of myself!

Photo by Alex Shute on Unsplash