Last Updated on December 8, 2023 by The Smetz Files
Happy first day of spring!
As I look at the weekly forecast, we might actually be moving towards spring temperatures after a chilly weekend.
The beginning of spring marks the end of the first quarter of the year. Earlier, I wrote about my intentions and efforts to maintain progress over perfection as I began 2023. Specifically, I intended to work on habits that reduced my social media consumption and simplified our schedules.
A new season is a great time for me to pause and reflect on whether I have been living up to my intentions of reducing my social media consumption, simplifying our schedule, and focusing on progress over perfection. Here are my reflections on the first three months of 2023:
Social Media Consumption
Overall, this is a ‘kind of’ working towards this habit. I can say this, I have been more intentional about when I am scrolling and for what purpose. I have shifted from scrolling as a distraction to connecting intentionally with followers and other bloggers to refine my writing. I have found social media to be less overwhelming and more functional, so I’ll call it a win. It’s certainly progress.
Simplifying Schedules
This is honestly the hardest one for me. I have certainly made progress when it comes to saying, ‘no, thank you’ and reducing some of our obligations. I have also been more intentional about giving the kids options for which activities they want to do that day, week with the acknowledgement we can’t do it all. I like involving them in the decision-making and giving them some scaffolded responsibility for their commitments. These decision-making discussions give us an opportunity to model how to show up and be a good friend, how to maintain healthy rest and eating habits, and how to prioritize the demands on our time and attention. Simplifying our schedule will be a continual area for improvement.
Maintaining Progress over Perfection
Overall, I am making progress towards my intentions for 2023. I am more cognizant of stopping to enjoy the moment for what is rather than instantly focusing on what comes next (progress, certainly not perfection!). I am more attune to when my mind says, ‘sure!’, but my body says, ‘let’s take a break’. Showing up and being the best version of myself is important to me, whether it’s in my writing or in the community in which we live, work, and play.
What’s working for you in 2023?
