Savoring Joy: 2023 Recap
As the year comes to a close, I recently had a conversation about my perspective on 2023. For the first five minutes of the conversation, I spewed off the top negative things that I’ve experienced this year. One by one I allowed the hardest moments of this year to roll off my tongue. Even as I spoke, I said, “I am not trying to be negative, but….”
You may be wired a little differently, but for me, I have to fight to remember the good moments. Maybe that is why I love taking pictures. The frame holds a sweet memory that I can savor, while my internal frame highlights the hard moments effortlessly.
After the conversation ended, I sat with my initial negativity. Yes, there have been some unearthing in my life (some of it for good), but overall lots of good moments full of love. So I decided to allow the negatives to take a backseat and share some of my most joyous moments with you all:
· Releasing Affirmation ABCs for Little Ladies! This is my very first published children's book. Every illustration and word was a product of a vision I believe God gave me one night sitting around the table eating dinner. I STRUGGLED with imposter syndrome and physical setbacks that stretched the project out 2 ½ years. I am so thankful I did not give up, even though I wanted to. Now this book is bringing so many girls and their parents joy!
· Sabbaths! So full disclosure I did not know much about sabbaths. It was not a part of my religious upbringing or even my adulthood. A sabbath? Chill? Rest? For what? Time is moving and I have a long list of things to do. Well, Jesus is so loving that He brought a sweet woman into my life in such a unique way who opened my eyes to incorporating the sabbath into my week. I have yet to get it perfect, and it does not always fall on a Friday night, but I look forward to it. I’ve been DELIGHTING in the restful day. I need it! Honestly, I could use more than one, but it’s been a joy to incorporate into my weekly rhythm.
· I bet on myself! Well technically, I bet on the Spirit of God inside of me. I took some chances and said NO a lot this year, so I could say YES to the people, places, and things I am called to and enjoy. Boundaries have been firmly held. I started off wavering, but I am walking into 2024 pretty firm on my stances. My no doesn’t always come with an explanation and my yeses are with full confidence. This has brought PEACE and JOY!
· I listened. This year I spent more time listening to God (reading the Bible), and listening to myself, my family, and my friends. I’ve learned so much by turning off my voice and opening my ears. Some of my friendships reached greater depth this year. It’s been a sweet discovery.
· Therapy. Having someone who I pay to dump on instead of dumping on precious relationships has been refreshing! A lighter load has blessed the people who interact with me daily. I honestly use therapy as a tool to nourish all of my other relationships. (Christian therapy…. Can’t just talk to anyone with a license).
Now that the heavy stuff is out of the way here are some lighter wins:
· My artwork was/is displayed in TWO exhibitions! You can order prints here.
· I saw The Lion King play with my dad and oldest daughter at the Kennedy Center (core memory for sure)
· Spent weeks at the beach with my immediate family and extended family (first time since the pandemic)
· Started a YouTube channel for fun (please subscribe 🎥)
· Created so many art pieces and fashion pieces without pressure to sell or post
· Played tennis for the first time in over a decade
· Rode scooters with my husband through the Botanical Gardens
· Nurtured my children's gifts (JOY JOY JOY)
Lastly, one of my greatest joys this year has been encouraging women and girls in various ways. I am blown away daily to be used by the Holy Spirit to get His thoughts to whomever he chooses. I am in awe.
I would LOVE to hear at least ONE thing that has brought you joy this year. Email me, Click the blog post and comment, or send me a DM on Instagram.
I enjoy connecting with you!
🧡 Briana Ariel
