009 · End Of Year Reflection
Setting intentions for the year ahead, and applying what I learned in 2023.
This year moved swiftly and, despite it being filled to the brim with challenges, loss, and difficult decisions, I reflect back on it as one of my best years yet.
This year I visited new places, took on two long-term clients, and grew my business in unexpected ways. I made difficult business decisions that left me feeling proud, grounded, and excited for the future. I shed business and personal relationships no longer serving me - including finding a new therapist. I hired my first employee. I went on my first business trip as a freelancer (and then two more!)
I stuck to my goal of exercising regularly and have been maintaining a mix of yoga, barre/matte classes, pilates, and spin.
I drank beer out of a can I designed. I saw my packaging designs in the wild. I visited stores along the east coast who carry my work and I shipped my art across so many states to you, dear reader.
I tried so many new things: trampolining, rug tufting, block carving, film photography, painting, zine making (to name a few.) I also began taking ceramics classes at Mill Pond Ceramics Studio in the fall and haven’t stopped since. Clay has turned out to be one of my greatest teachers yet.
While I can’t count my accomplishments with all ten fingers, I can assure you the growth I experienced this year is unmeasurable. I grew a lot as a designer, as a freelancer and as a human in ways i’m super proud of.
A few reflections:
Saying “no” can hold as much, if not more, power than saying “yes”
It’s okay to be a little selfish
Time is not real
Competition is a lie
What isn’t filling your cup is keeping you from something that does
Running away as a coping mechanism cannot serve you forever
As I head into 2024, I approach these new intentions without any haste, order, or direction:
Make more, work less
Put in more volunteer hours
Send more physical mail
Less screen time
Drink more water
Spend more time with friends
Hot lemon water before coffee
Take a walk every day and hit a step goal (whatever that looks like)
Set better client/work boundaries
Show people I care more often
Whatever your intentions may be, remember to be gentle with yourself - after all, there is no shortage of time and no expectation of completion. May this new year bring you joy, big belly laughs, slowness, trust, friendship, softness, trial and error, adventure, ease, nourishment, solace, meals with friends, beautiful views, treasure, community, and play.
Some highlights of 2023:
XOXO
MEL