It’s hard to process that 2022 is over and 2023 has already begun. I felt like much of 2022 was making up for the weirdness that was the past two years. Having the opportunity this year to spend holidays with loved ones again, feeling the buzz of a crowded restaurant and all virtual events being live and in-person again was enough to make 2022 better than 2021, which was definitely better than 2020.
For me, I relished in the year of 2022. Going on vacations again, shaking peoples hands, eating at crowded restaurants, dancing in crowded bars. As much as a germaphobe the pandemic made me, 2022 brought back some pre-pandemic normalcy to my world and I could not have asked for anything more. Every year I try to recount my self-growth, my success of the year, my fails and losses… really all the positives and negatives of the year that have taught me something. I usually sit down, pen and paper in front of me, and list my 2023 resolutions, however I noticed this year that I do not have any “New Year’s Resolutions” to list. Instead of listing ways to improve upon my health, happiness and overall wellbeing I am just trying to continue to improve myself little by little, every day. Within the 24 hours of a day, you face many obstacles. Whether that’s a tough conversation, a misinterpreted e-mail, an argument with your significant other or something as simple as what to make for dinner, how you react and the decisions you make in those moments are the moments that allow for growth. My challenge to myself in 2023 is to take those random, tough everyday moments and react in a way that would not only make my loved ones proud, but myself.
So, without further ado, These are not my 2023 years resolutions but instead, pieces of advice, lessons from books, lyrics from songs, and quotes from TV shows that have resonated me with to a deep enough degree to implement them into my 2023 and beyond. These “life-lessons” are in no particular order, other than taken from the list in my notes that I have for the moments I hear something I don’t want to forget.
“Be curious, not judgemental” – Walt Whitman” – TED LASSO
Ted Lasso may be one of the best shows I binge-watched during 2022, but the hidden lessons within each episode were an extra treat for me. Mixing any type of comedy with harsh reality is enough to get me to listen. So, when Ted Lasso quoted the above thought-provoking Walt Whitman statement, I was instantly met with a weird emotion. The harsh reality of knowing I can be someone who judges to quickly and sometimes without reason, was met with the immediate desire to not be that way. Ever since this quote was introduce to me, I have actively worked on the “being more curious” part.
“You’re on your own kid, you always have been”- Taylor Swift
When Taylor Swift released her Midnights album in late 2022, I knew I would be googling lyric after lyric in hopes the internet would break down her poetic lyrics into sentences I could understand. What I didn’t think was that a lyric as simple as “you’re on your own kid, you always have been” would resonate with me to the extent it did. As depressing as it may sound, it really isn’t. I interpreted this lyric as more of a comforting sentiment. For those moments that you really feel like you are alone, this song reminds you how relatable that feeling is.How un-alone does it feel knowing everyone feels like they are on their own at some point? You’re on your own kid, make it happen.
“Each time you say yes to something, you tacitly say no to something else”– The Art of Saying N0 by Damon Zahariades
This is a book that if I am being honest, I have had in my possession longer than 2022, but read little by little. Filled front to back with life lessons, this is a self-help guide for the various obstacles of life through anecdotes and advice, that help the reader learn, understand and get comfortable with the word NO. Saying no is not an easy thing to do, especially if your name is Bridget Callinan. However, the advice I have read thus far from this book has already helped me in real-life situations. It was a few months ago that I stumbled upon this specific quote and I refer back to it all the time when I start to stretch myself too thin. Saying yes to everything is impossible, so leave room for the things that will actually fulfill you and say no to the things that may exhaust you.
“I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” – Andy Bernard The Office
I know The Office ended well before 2022 even began, but considering the fact that I rewatch it (at least) once a year, it counts for 2022. I always find myself unintentionally smiling when Andy repeats this quote in The Office. A weird since of nostalgia engulfs my body every. single. time. I watch this specific scene. Not only is it a sad reminder that some of my best moments have already passed, but it also serves as an important reminder to live in the moment. To be present and appreciate important moments when you re actually living them, so that when you “look back on the good days” they are met with no other emotion than happiness.
“What a lovely surprise to finally discover how unlovely being alone can be.”– Ellen Burstyn (Calm App)
My dad is an avid user of the Calm App, so much so he thoughtfully gifted my sisters and I a free 1-year subscription a few years ago for Christmas. Although I regret not making more of an effort to use the app when I had it for free, my dad, to this day, sends us a daily quote. The particular quote above inspired me more than the rest. As someone who used to hate being alone or doing anything in the presence of just myself, this quote help me realized that it is not only okay to be alone, but sometimes necessary. I now make sure to take little moments to juts myself every day. Whether it’s on a walk, at the gym or just reading a book, I have finally understood the importance of being alone.
The Importance of Gut health.
This one isn’t a quote and it doesn’t come from media platform. This is more of a general lesson I learned in 2022 that I will carry with me throughout my life. I was never taught how important gut health is or really that you could do anything to control it. I had NO idea that it was linked to so many health problems like fatigue, bloating and migraines and is proven to decline mental health. Through my friends and further research, I learned many ways one can control their gut and WOW! did it change my life! I use athletic greens, probiotic vitamins and daily active movement to keep my gut healthy, which therefore helps my body and mind feel healthier.
“Let them come, Let them be, Let them go.” – Culdasa (CALM App)
This is another Daily Calm quote from my dad, however this one dated back to April in my notes. This quote can be implied to whatever you need, but when I saved it at the time, I knew why I needed it. Looking at it close to a year later, I immediately noticed the growth I’ve had since that day in April. Of course this quote is one that comes after learning a hard lesson, but now that the lesson has been learned “let them come, let them be, let them go” serves as a piece of knowledge that I carry with me every day to implement when necessary.
Doin’ This- Luke Combs
This entire song is written beautifully, with every lyric resonating deeper than the last. The beautiful simplicity in the words strung together creates a heartwarming story of gratitude and hard work. From start to finish, this feel-good song is relatable to every listener. Luke Combs sings the true story of how blessed and grateful he feels to be at the level of success he us now, but if he never had the success he would’ve found a way to still be doing what he loves. If he never moved to Nashville and sang open-mic nights, if his singing clips never went viral on social media, if he never wrote and self-released his first EP, he would STILL find a way to sing. The song is just full of dedication and it has motivated me many times throughout 2022.
