I have had a lot of birthdays in my day, 45 to be exact, this one feels different – in a good way.
In a rare moment of solace, I reflect on my past year and my birthday via my camera roll and the baby book my mom made for me that sits above my computer in my kitchen office.
One of the many perks of being the firstborn in a large family is a fully documented baby book.
I am not sure my younger siblings have the robust detailing of the first year of their lives.
My baby blue baby book of memories is filled with dates, lists, firsts, and even some extensive clippings of my hair.
According to my mom, I was an easy-going, go-with-the-flow kind of gal, and a true delight to be around.
That explains why I went along with the violin lessons for about six years too long.
I should have been a little less agreeable there.
Nothing much has changed and like my mom used to say, you grow up to be the adult version of yourself in utero.
She wasn’t wrong.
For a brief moment in time, 18 months to be exact, I was the center of two people’s universe, and it was nice while it lasted.
Did I mention I miss my mom?
Now I am a 45-year-old motherless mom (I never thought of it that way until Lauren had Luna) who has been hardened a bit by life’s darker seasons.
Fortunately, thanks to resilience and grit, I still maintain a strong desire to have fun, live life to the fullest, toggle between extrovert life and being a homebody, and make memories with my tightknit little family every day that I can for the rest of my life.
I am so grateful for the ability to do so and do not take the first 45 years for granted.
My 2022 camera roll was a bright and shining example of the light I lived in last year.
Here is my highlight reel.
I read some books. These were some of my favorites.
Song of Achilles, Zen Parenting, The Witch’s Heart, Call Your Daughter Home, The Power of Now, Reminders of Him, Buddha’s Brain, The Way of Integrity, The Great Alone, Cloud CuckooLand.
I made a ton of soup and sat around a lot of fires.
I made girl time a necessity and met up with some dear friends in Florida and Colorado.
Ryan and I made our way back to Diamond Island for our annual family trip/lake house manifestation. It never disappoints.
I spent lots of time in the sauna and drank a shitload of matcha. I need to get back on that train. Coffee is simply too hard on my 45-year-old belly and one of life’s greatest pleasures is sweating in a sauna.
My family enjoyed the theatre (Will only likes to watch his sister perform) and I watched my small but mighty kids do what they love on the baseball and soccer field. I’m so happy they enjoy the experience of being a part of a team. There is no substitute for the lessons you learn on and off the field that mold you into the person you become.
My sister and I created our sophisticated seasonal candle line and they were a hit! Stay tuned for our newest scent to be released this summer!
I love a good app and downloaded two in 2022 that changed my and my family’s lives for the better.
Rocket Money helped me regain control of my personal finances. If the app had a mouth I would kiss it on the lips. Just get it and link your stuff. Watch and see your spending habits, build budgets, and save so much money!!!
The Cozi app is a shared family calendar and the best thing that has ever happened to the Anderson household. Everyone knows what’s going on thanks to daily schedule notifications as I am no longer the keeper of everyone’s schedule!
There is a GODDESS!
Did I mention our conversation with Colleen Hoover, one of the most successful authors ever?! She joined us for a chat on Cozy Conversations. She is the most humble, cool, funny, quirky lady ever! She taught me that if you want something you should ask for it and that no one will die if something work-related doesn’t get done immediately. I say it once a day and it was a morale booster in 2022.
I listened to my coach, Aviva Brill, and delegated some items to make more space for things that matter. In 2022, we hired a publicist and a podcast editor! I feel lighter and more inspired than ever!
This year was a good one. We need to celebrate the good ones.
I am beyond excited for what is to come in 2023 and hell-bent on working smarter, not harder which really just means you are going to see a whole heck of a lot more cozy content from me.
I look forward to seeing you here and sharing all the ways life can be better when you take care of yourself and add a little cozy to your everyday.
Thanks for dropping in.
Stay cozy,
Michelle
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