Lessons & Learnings from 2023

2023 went by so fast. It doesn’t feel like very long ago that I was writing about what I learned in 2022. With this, it’s time to reflect on the year, get vulnerable and share the lessons and learnings I’m bringing with me into 2024.

My lessons and learnings this past year were due in part to the challenges I faced in 2022. This time last year, I was not in a great place. I knew changes were required in my business, and though I didn’t have all the answers, I was ready for a reset. While 2022 punched me hard, it gave way for positive changes in 2023 resulting in a year that allowed me to find my self again. So let’s begin.

Little did I know, the decisions other people were making, were not only what they needed, but what I needed too. It took me almost the full year of 2022 to recognize this, but when I did, I made one of the biggest changes I’ve made in a while. In early 2023, I put myself back on the frontline of design, working directly with clients again.

The beginning of 2023 brought with it a complete restructure, bringing in new positions, new people, with myself back doing design on the daily. Previously, I was certainly at the helm, but more behind the scenes and overseeing projects, however not making direct design decisions.

It wasn’t long after this switch that I was reminded how much I love design, and loved being actively involved in each and every project. It was a subtle, yet strong pull throughout 2022 that brought me to this point, and I found myself feeling happier than ever. It’s been invigorating, reassuring and feels so right to immerse myself back into a world I adore to my core.

In 2024, I’m looking forward to doing more of what I love.

Whether it was turning 50 or simply realizing life is short, I took on a You Only Live Once approach with certain decisions throughout the year. A bit of a “why the heck not?!” attitude. Whether it was taking a private boat tour in the Sea of Cortez during a trip to Cabo, booking an impromptu trip to Paris with my eldest daughter, or purchasing a fancy pair of shoes, I relished in experiences and opportunties that allowed me to celebrate life and create memories. I have the tendancy to be super seriously and arguably too responsible, resulting in missing out on things, which will lead me to my next point, related, but different.

I will continue to live life as full as I can in 2024.

In 2023 I learned how to be good, better, to myself. A little bit of the “oxygen mask on first” mentality I hoped to focus on. On the heels of a year where I was running on empty, making sure everyone else was ok, I was intentional about taking better care of myself.

I prioritized fun. I prioritized sleep. I prioritized being creative. I prioritized community. I said no, or not right now, a little more often.

I noticed a significant difference in myself and funnily enough, no one else suffered in light of me getting oxygen first. In fact, it was likely the opposite. I was able to be a much better, wife, mom, designer, and leader with these things in check.

In 2024, I will continue to prioritize health, fun, and community.

They say laughter is the best medicine and this year my prescription has been full. The benefits of laughing go beyond feeling good in the moment. It’s proven to soothe tension, improve our immune system, relieve pain, improve our mood, enhances our intake of oxygen rich air and increases endorphins.

I haven’t laughed this much in years. It’s been daily soul food for me and I’m so grateful for such a simple pleasure added to my days.

Cheers to more laughter in 2024!

A tough 2022, gave way for a lighter, kinder 2023, bringing along changes I knew were necessary. I have referenced 2022 often because it was the catalyst to moving through 2023 as I did. I’m not the same person. Or, perhaps I am? I’m simply an improved version, taking the lessons and learnings to the heart of the matter, and figuring out what changes needed to be made. I believe there’s something to be learned in everything. If we’re not learning, we’re not growing. If we’re not growing we become stagnant. There’s too many amazing things to experience, share in, see, do and give in this life. So here’s to 2024 and all that’s in store.

Thank you, thank you for being here. For reading and supporting, personally and professionally. How was your 2023? Any changes you’ll be making in 2024? Drop a comment below, send a DM or reply to this email. I’d love to hear from you!

With gratitude,

Nyla

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