2023 a Preview

Welcome to 2023!!

I am really liking New Years Day being on Sunday. Fresh day, fresh week, fresh year, just newness of 2023. I am in a bookclub that is reading Little Women and its just been such a simple, refreshing way to end '22 and start '23! I hope I can find more simple, small treasures scattered throughout this new year.

Each year, I like to preview the year ahead (a tradition I started years ago), and here is what I am thinking...

2023:

* Starting with finances. Well, life happens you know lol. That just means that AC problems, and car troubles, and just the cost of living life can really make budgeting hard. However, we are ready for a new year. I am refocused on spending wisley and saving for our family and our future. I am super excited beause I got a new car in 2022, and that was something we had budgeted for and accomplished! I am also mega thankful that my remaining student loan balance was forgiven through Public Service Loan Forgiveness this year! There are no words, just a humble and grateful heart:) 

* People that I know and love will pass away or suffer through illness. And it will also be my part to love and support friends and family who will experience loss this year. A kind word or deed, goes a long way in the dark days of grief.

* In my work life, I hope to continue to bring creativity, decicaiton and passion to my job. I really do find it so interesting to help along the college access pipeline. Different opportunities had come my way in 2022, but I am grateful for exactly what I am doing right now. 

* In my Christian life, the theme is serving others. I don't know what it will look like exactly this year, but I do feel like the Lord continues to provide an abundance of opportunities. To have a spirit like Barnabas from the book of Acts is something I hope to grow into.

* In married life, I want to continue to strive for growth in prayer and communication. We have a wonderful marraige and I do not take it for granted:) However, I was single for way longer than I have been married, so that means I have room to grow. I am so thankful for my Stephen who balances me and most importantly always is showing me and teaching me things in Christ. Our scripture talks and questions are good for my spirit.

* I will be 38 this year, and I don't know why but that feels important. So I guess I better make it that way then?

* Travel plans for this year are unsure. I will wait and see as the year goes on, but I love a good trip so just give me some warning and I will be happy to go along lol. I still yearn to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom in D.C.

For 12 years  I have closed the same way, so here we go:) Take care, lead with love and Happy 2023!

Now with all of that said I will say this.....2023 is a completely unknown entity. Sure, I know some things but they are so tiny compared to what I have no idea about. The key is to hold fast to God, have faith and grace, love my family and friends, and be the very best Sabrina Stewart Melvin that I can be.....that should not be too hard ( I am kidding) it will probably take me 365 days to kind of get it right!