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Dear 2022, Thanks for the Memories

 Breathe. 

Do you ever choose a word to serve as the overarching theme for the new year? This is mine. While I'm not planning to make any resolutions, I do set goals all year long. In recent conversations about 2022 and a lot of reflecting, I realize just how much of my time didn’t actually belong to me. I did the one thing I said I would never do. I overbooked, over-scheduled and gave a majority of my time to others. 

I struggled with ongoing feelings of burnout. I was stressed to the max. Overstimulated most days. I rarely took time off from work, because I felt I couldn't. I felt that I let a lot of people down in the process; those I had to turn down. There were the friends we didn't get to see. There were the celebrations we had to miss. There were the moments when I just needed to breathe, but instead remained in survival mode. 

At the same time, 2022 did have its special moments and lifelong memories! Don't get me wrong. There were moments that I truly enjoyed! In no particular order, here are those that come to mind:

We welcomed a new nephew, sweet Corbin. 

We celebrated the marriage of Morgan and Lukas. I was blessed to be Matron of Honor and delivered what I believe to be my final MOH speech. 

Our sweet nephew Nash turned the big 4. 

We learned that Morgan and Lukas are expecting another nephew for our cute cousin crew.

We had a wonderful, much too short family vacation to the Gulf Shores. We're heading back this summer!

We completed our basement renovation project. 

Rhylan played a fantastic football season as a Palmyra Panther and had a great baseball season! 

Emersyn & Everly played both softball and soccer. So much fun! 

Morgan and I lived our 90's kid dreams and saw BSB together for an epic sister weekend! 

We attended countless weddings and witnessed so much love! 

We welcomed a new dog into our family. Betty Zehnle! 

My first trip to Nashville was a blast! Take me back! 

Our Dad celebrated his 60th birthday and we took a family trip. 

We reunited with old friends up in Iowa with a day trip! 

We took STL by storm on Black Friday! 

We celebrated New Year's Eve at home surrounded by family and friends. 

The list could go on and on, but reflecting on these special memories gives me a positive outlook on the coming year. 2023 is the year where I plan to make downtime a priority. 2023 is the year that I will be proactive in saying "no" to the things that don't bring me joy or are detrimental to my mental health. 

2023 is the year that I will disconnect as much as possible and just be. Be the best mom for my kids. Be the best wife I can be. Be the best friend I can be. Be the best leader I can be.

Breathe.

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