It’s about time to turn the page on 2022. And thankfully so.
What should we expect for 2023? It’s tough to know for sure. But in some regards, that is more up to us than we think.
I am not in control of the world, however I am in control of myself… and you are in control of yourself. So even though we can’t control everything around us, we can control some things.
At the very least, we can control how we interact with the world around us. And many times, that makes all the difference.
To that end, in an effort to make 2023 a better year for everyone, here are 12 decisions we can all make as the new year begins:
1. Smile more.
I think we all miss seeing smiles in public spaces. Once the masks are entirely off, decide to show more of those pearly whites every chance you get.
2. Complain less.
Recent years have had all of us dealing with life-and-death issues on an almost daily basis. In some ways, all the things we used to complain about seem so small now. So let’s decide to no longer complain about the small stuff.
3. Appreciate more.
I thought 2022 would be the year I got everything I wanted. Now I know 2022 was the year to appreciate everything I have. Decide now to carry that forward into 2023 and appreciate all the good around us in a more intentional way.
4. Connect more.
In 2020, we lost the ability to connect with others in-person—at coffee shops, churches, restaurants, concerts, sporting events, and even some family gatherings. In 2021, some of that returned, but not entirely. And it’s still not entirely back even after 2022.
Let’s never overlook the opportunity to connect with others again.
5. Own less.
When everything is taken away, we see what is most important. When it comes to recognizing what activities contribute to quality of life, accumulating physical stuff pales in comparison to the actual life-giving pursuits we are being forced to go without. Decide now to own less in 2023.
6. Encourage more.
2022 was still a hard year for many! And all of us needed encouragement from time-to-time. So let’s give it freely in 2023—whether people ask for it or not.
7. Waste less.
Seems like we all learned the value of another day and another opportunity—because too many had their last one taken from them in the past couple years. Let’s decide now to not waste any day, any moment, or any amount of energy remaining.
8. Thank more.
Decide now to say “thank you” more often. You will be blessed, and the recipient will be blessed. Win-win.
9. Compete less.
One thing is for sure—we’re all in this world together. As a result, it’s too easy to see the world as competition against one another. Instead, let’s remember we’re on the same team, all trying to be the best versions of ourselves. If you want to compete, compete against who you were yesterday rather than the stranger down the street.
10. Understand more.
Not only were the last 2+ years marked with a global pandemic and economic downturn, in many parts of the world (including my own) it was a year of political strife and division where a difference in opinion was often regarded as a difference in principle. It rarely is. Everyone will benefit—both sides—if we decide now to argue less and understand more.
11. Save more.
With the overnight shutdown/collapse of many businesses and a worldwide economy, 2022 showed the importance of having some financial savings in reserve. If you haven’t made saving a priority, decide to do it now. Here are some helpful steps to get there.
12. Love more.
Love your spouse. Love your kids. Love your friends. Love your co-workers. Love your neighbor. Love. The world needs more of it.
What does 2023 hold? I have no idea.
But with these 12 decisions as my resolutions for 2023, I’m ready for just about anything. Because life is more than the circumstances surrounding me.
In my comments about the 7 R’s I forgot Reuse. Many things we use day to day can have many lives & we can get very creative in their uses. I found a book from at the thrift store called “Real Simple, 869 Uses for Old Things” These are the same folks who put out the magazine too. Here are a few examples of what is in this fun & inspiring book.
Wall Calendar: Give the Art from months past a new life on a present. Wrap small items like books , with the pretty pages.
Banana Peel: Grow healthier roses by planting a peel at the base of the bush, an inch down. The potassium in the peel feeds the plant & helps fend off diseases.
Garlic Press: Use also to crack cumin, coriander seeds & peppercorns.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Disinfect a keyboard. A cotton swab dipped in peroxide gets into all the nooks and crannies.
I will see if my local library has this book, & if not put in a request for it.
Beautifully said Joshua. Thank you for all that you do for your loyal
followers. Best wishes to you and yours, and this minimalist community for a blessed, happy and healthy New Year.
That’s a lovely one. A lot of us tend to forget these essential things, that we are (in a grand way), in control on our situations. Thanks for the reminder.
I am thankful and grateful for all your posts. I saved so many to catch up and read-over for times when I need inspiration. Thank you for all your insight. We all look forward to more!
Happy 2021! All the best to you sir!
I loved this post , thank you ! ? Big Smile for starters ?
Recycling is great but I have a total now of 7 R’s., some of which I got from Julia Butterfly Hill (lived in a tree for a year).
RETHINK, RESPECT, REFUSE, REDUCE. REUSE, RECYCLE, & ROT.
In the bigger scheme of life & the universe, we need to Rethink how we as a species are living. If we care about our Mother Earth we will Respect her. If we Refuse to be mindless consumers we can take control of that aspect of our lives. If we Reduce our consumption we are living a more sustainable life. As a last resort we can Recycle, but remember that very little is recycled anymore.
If we are wise we will decide to compost & give back to re-nourish The Earth.
We are Earth’s Stewards if we so choose to be.
Thank you Joshua for this New Year Inspiration.
I like the one in regards to connecting. I lost few friends because I try my best to keep the connection but they didn’t care. Lesson learn and for the new year to have healthy body, mind and thankful to my family. Love my Husband and Son they are forever the people I trust beyond anything.
Loved your post! Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.
How I enjoyed your book this morning. In it you have affirmed for me the value in what I have been doing in this year, 2020. The most satisfying thing which is daily apparent is the growth I am noticing in my spiritual life. Fewer unnecessary endeavors, less distraction, and more emphasis on the essentials of this journey we call earth life have brought more joy and order into my days.
Thank you, Joshua Becker
From Jane
Thank you for the lovely words. I am glad you enjoyed the book.
Beautiful Joshua.
Love your posts.
This one is up there as one of the best.