I sat down this past week to write my 2023 year-end blog more times than I want to admit – I came up with titles, even some witty opening lines, thought about pouring my heart & soul out, but none of it felt exactly like what I needed to say to close what turns out to have been a pretty life-changing year for me…

It wasn’t until Sunday afternoon, when I read an email from my mindset coach that asked the simple, but complicated question: “What’s your word for 2024?”, that I started to really piece together what I wanted to leave here in reflection – and more importantly – look ahead to this coming year.

I went through the rounds of typical “Kim” words:

Grit, Determination, Endurance, Strength, Execution, Resolve

Then I took a turn for what I would have considered the “New Kim” words:

Optimism, Perspective, Hope, Growth, Grace, Faith

Then on our last family walk of 2023, I was chatting with Brian and it finally all clicked – Consistency.

I went back to my note and saw that it was actually the very first word I wrote…so I guess that sealed the deal. 

Ironically, if you asked me, I would tell you that consistency is a characteristic that I admire in myself. And there are many things in which, even with the ups and downs that life threw my way last year, I did stay consistent – like making it to the gym for my lifts regardless of what time zone I’m in, or how early my meeting is, or how many emails I have piled up in my inbox.

But I also learned a lot about myself this past year, and one thing I discovered is how crucial it is to be consistent in every area of life. I feel like I’ve laid the groundwork for an amazing year ahead. I’ve already done so much of the hard work, now it is time to put that into action.

For me, this year of consistency is about so much more than just doing, it’s about remembering to consistently pause, to take time for myself, to remember that busy isn’t a badge of honor. It’s about accountability and making choices regardless of FOMO, because I’ll be a better Wife and (Step) Mom (and Grandma) if I do. It’s about walking the walk in addition to talking the talk. And it’s about consistently showing up, every day, as the best version of myself.

I’ve said before that I’m not really huge on New Year’s resolutions, but I will absolutely take today as the chance to exhale, shake off the dust of 2023, and hold my head high knowing that I hold all the power to embrace the new year with a fresh start & a new perspective. I’ve also said it before, but I do believe it with all my heart, the best is yet to come!

Wishing you and yours all God’s blessings in the new year!