End of 2023

Hi loves,

As 2023 comes to an end I wanted to share some things I will be bringing into the new year, things staying out, and my greatest lesson of 2023: the journey of coming to terms with what I love and leaving fear behind. 

Enjoy. 

2023 was a year of reckoning. It took me all year but I finally accepted that I really do love writing and sharing my truth with you all. I pushed it down for years and it finally exploded in the best way. 2023 was the year I finally accepted my love for writing and the promise to do it intentionally because, as I found out, there is no other worthy way of living than doing what you love. 

I found myself left with a crucial decision at the end of the year. I had circled December 29th as my last day at my 9-5. I told myself I would quit even if I had not found anything else. So here I was sitting in my cube looking at the calendar with the circled date staring back at me only weeks away. I did not have another job lined up mostly because I did not know what I wanted to do next, but I knew I had to make a change. The one thing I was sure about was my love of writing and sharing what I’ve learned. 

I knew I had outgrown that position but fear crept in. I found myself very emotional and I felt stuck. I felt like I could not stay and I could not go. And for a moment I told myself, “Well, what if we stay. We can do another year, right?” and I broke out in tears, and that’s when I knew, there was no way I was going to stay. 

So there was no other way out but to face my fear head on, because ultimately love for myself and purpose was worth it. 

What fear taught me

Fear taught me that beyond what scares me the most, is what I want to do and where the magic lies. Fear is an indicator of where you want to go, but didn’t quite feel ready. This means that there is a lack of trust in yourself and God/Creator. Know that you can do anything you set your mind and heart to. If your heart is calling you then the path will be paved. Fear taught me to trust myself and God.

How to overcome Fear 

1. Feel the fear

Just dive in and feel it all. Don’t attach to the emotion but feel it and let it go. The fear itself is more scary than the actual thing you are afraid of. Let that sink in.

2. Write down what you are afraid of and ask if they are rooted in truth 

Seeing what scares you helps you conquer your fears. They become tangible and something you can work on. By seeing them you start to see how untrue they are. 

3. Write down what you need to do to feel more supported through the transition/action you want to make

List actions that will support you in doing what you are afraid of. This is you building self trust. Do the things that will set you up for a successful transition. 

4. Trust and Pray

Trust that better things are coming and that you can do this! Pray for a peaceful mind and discernment to know when to act and when to stay. Thank life/God for this beautiful experience and story you get to live! It can be fun! 

Believe in yourself! 

You are here to grow and you can do this! You can live the life of your dreams by doing the things that scare you. Fear is only an indicator not a stopper. Feel through it and act bravely. So for me 2024 is a year of dedicating myself to my purpose because it arrived in divine timing.

We only have this one life so, make it worthwhile by being brave enough to be You! I know you will also do great things and remember to trust yourself and that inner voice that is asking you to accept more from life.

Lastly, I want to leave you with some beautiful souls that inspired me this year to be my best:

• Sam Potter

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdN8pHrFQPg

• Alexia Landa

Podcast: The Conversation with Alexia

• Quote from my fitness coach, Ari, that stuck with me:

“Anything worth doing is worth doing right.”

I love you.

See you in 2024,

Jessica