“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start.” – Nido Qubein

How was 2022 for you? Outstanding? Terrible? Somewhere in between?

I think it’s important to reflect on each year, to sift through the memories carefully. Why? Not just because it is “the thing to do” at the end of the year. There is a very strategic purpose to it. 

In carefully reflecting on the year, we can recount the good and the bad. The victories and failures. The pains and healing. 

I believe that it is only through careful analysis of where we’ve been that we can chart a meaningful course for where we are going.

For that reason, I’m going to share with you some reflections on how my 2022 went. I’m terrified to do it, but there is freedom in vulnerability, so here goes nothing.

My 2022

2022 has been very difficult for my family and me. We’ve gone through some painful transitions. Most notably, my husband and I divorced, ending our 18-year marriage. Without going into unnecessary details, I will tell you that this was a costly decision emotionally and relationally. It has been very tough on me, but also our two children, ages 14 and 16.

The decision to end our marriage was not made lightly. And though the pain endured as a result of it has been substantial and has left scars, it was the right decision. The silver lining is my children and I have walked through it together, and we are learning resilience and how to manage change. I am proud of us for that.

Speaking of the kids

Raising teenagers is never easy. Doing so within the context of the raw emotions amidst our transition has amplified the challenge to a degree that is difficult to describe. 

And yet, we move forward, one day at a time. Committed to each other, allowing our love to guide us as we navigate uncertain terrain. 

Business and looking ahead to 2023

We have so much to be grateful for amidst life’s chaos. Business has been steady this year, which is always a blessing. There are many dear people who share my vision of investing in beautiful handbags and purses that honor the earth and add to one’s fashion. I am endlessly thankful for having that tribe in my corner, supporting my business and telling other like-minded people about it.

For 2023, for my family and business, the vision I have elicits imagery of a baseball being unwound to its core (to see that in action, watch this video). It can be put back together again, but it will never be the same as it was before. In being taken completely apart, we see everything it is made of.

As an unwound baseball being put back together, envisioning the new version of my life, things will look different. 2023 is a chance to rebuild with intention. I see healthy boundaries being a foundational part of that. Not only that but intentionality in being present with my kids and other meaningful relationships.

I’m looking forward to starting fresh in 2023 - to building our life in a way that honors our values and forges a new path full of hope and anticipation. 

What is your vision for 2023? I’d be glad to hear it!

Thank you for reading!

Warmly,

Marisa 

“It’s not selfish to establish healthier and more sustainable patterns within your relationships.”
- Lysa Terkeurst