That’s a clean start for 2023.

Photo byPhoto by Jacalyn Beales on Unsplash

What a year! My life has tremendously changed during the last 12 months. Even though I often felt like I was stagnating. Turns out: progress is permanent.

I started 2022 full of rules that I arbitrarily imposed on myself. The main one consisted of getting up at 7 every morning, even though I didn’t have to — as I work from home for myself. Why would I do that? Well, because I had decided I had to do some reading while sipping my morning coffee and then do a 30 minutes yoga session before sitting at my desk to write a minimum of 1,000 words. Only then was I allowed to start my freelance work.

Sounds crazy now.

Did I like it? Of course not. But I must admit it helped at some point in my life when I felt lost.

So that’s part of the things I’ve dropped in 2022, as it didn’t serve me anymore.

Here are the others, for your inspiration.

Here are the 8 things I dropped:

1. Silly rules

I’ve let go of stupid rules like the one mentioned above. Because they were impeding my life, creating stress, and making me feel trapped.

Now, I go for anything that’s intuitive.

2. Resistance

I learned to practice letting go instead of resisting the things that bothered me. In doing so, I found that part of happiness is the absence of desire.

It’s just a subtle mindset change.

3. Ignoring my needs

I ignored my need because I thought it was the right, brave thing to do. Except meeting my need allows me to function properly as a human being.

That’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned this year.

4. Eating dessert out of habit

When I finally learned to listen to my body and give it what it wanted, sweets lost their holy grail status: I could eat them whenever I wanted. So at the end of every meal, I got into the habit of asking myself if I really wanted something sweet or not.

It used to be systematic. Now, I go without more often than not, and it has probably contributed to my 14-pound loss in six months.

5. Doing things because I think I have to

I used to force myself to do tons of things I thought I had to do. Even when I didn’t want to do them. Like doing an extra hour or two of work. Doing favors for others. Working out.

Not forcing things on myself anymore has been a big focus this past year. I feel much lighter.

6. Comparing myself to others

In other words, the recipe for unhappiness. Everyone has their own path. Everyone is at one point or another in their life for many reasons. Each path is unique. Yours has nothing to envy others.

The only useful comparison is with your previous self.

7. Torturing myself with too far-reaching questions

I’ve made some progress, but this one is still my most important resolution for 2023. Because I have a knack for trying to make sense of everything, and it doesn’t do me any good. So there are no absolutes, no arbitrary “shoulds”, and no ultimate goals to achieve.

The purpose of life is to live it, period.

8. Being constantly available to others

I don’t know where it comes from. But when I am with others, I can’t help but forget myself. I don’t allow myself to do what I need to do, or want to do, because I feel obliged to be available for others. Which makes no sense. So I’ve learned not to forget myself anymore.

Yes, I am allowed to spend a few hours in my room in the middle of the afternoon if I need to. Anyone who doesn’t agree with that isn’t worth spending time with.

In conclusion…

The goal is not to achieve perfection. It’s to make progress. Staying still for a while is ok too.

I felt stuck a few times this year. I felt like nothing was moving forward. Like I was falling behind. Turns out I wasn’t. Even when things seem frozen, they keep moving beneath the surface.

If you listen carefully to what you hear inside you, you may uncover habits or mindsets that no longer serve you. This is fine. It’s proof that you are moving forward and making progress.

Slowly, let the bubbles rise to the surface, and take small steps to improve yourself. To live more in tune with your truth.

There is no rush.
Only you know.

Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist or a doctor. This article is only meant to share what I have discovered about my own body. I do not accept any responsibility for the application of these experiences. Consult a physician before making any changes to your diet.