Another Year Older: 5 Personal Goals for Turning 23

Today I turn 23-years-old. It is true that the older you get, the less exciting birthdays become. While getting older comes with some perks, there are days I wish I could go back being in elementary school so I can run around on the playground at recess and enjoy summer breaks. However, that is not the case. I am now an adult with some responsibilities. But, to be honest, I am lucky to have less responsibilities while living at home with my parents (shout out to my mom and dad for all their support!).

The past year has been full of milestones. I have completed my PA school prerequisite classes, submitted my PA school applications and started a new job with more regular hours. With a normalized work schedule and no homework, I have gained personal time to spend with loved ones and to explore my interests. With that comes time to relax…yikes, relaxation has always been tough for me! I am going to take advantage of this time and use it as a challenge for personal growth.

Here are 5 goals I have set for myself as I turn 23-years-old:

Make progress on my bucket list

After I got out of college, I told myself that I wanted to start a bucket list to encourage myself to go on new adventures. However, I am ashamed to admit that I haven’t accomplished nearly enough on that list I would like to. I am coming up with new items to add to the list faster than I am getting them done. Now that I have more free time, I am determined to start checking experiences off.

Small step: Two of the bucket list items I am looking to do this summer including trying to surf and going to the LA Museum of Tolerance.

Spend more time with my family and friends

Experiences with family and friends is precious. I am grateful to have more time to dedicate to them. Thus, this summer, I plan to enjoy my newfound free time with those I care about. This will require turning down extra work shifts, but I will not let my fear of saying “no” get in the way.

Small step: This weekend, I look forward to going to my little sister’s soccer game. My work and school schedule have prevented me from going to a game in months. She never complains about my inability to support her, but I can tell she is always disappointed when I can’t go. I hope she is ready for my embarrassing screams from the sidelines — Go Beach!

Focus more on blogging

Preppy and Periwinkle was started one year ago this month. Since then, the blog has slowly developed as I have added more features and learned more about the platform. However, there is so much more I want to do with this passion. I hope to post more frequently, expand on the new #WCW feature and enhance my photography skills. If you have any advice, please share!

Small step: One major step I would like to take is establishing my own Preppy and Periwinkle domain. I have started to do research on the topic but am scared to make the leap. Stay tuned for the big change!

Practice Self-Care

Self-care can come in many different forms and has numerous benefits to one’s physical and mental well-being. I tend to have a hard time taking breaks to relax and focus on my own body and needs. That is all going to change this year. Some of my plans include doing more puzzles, reading for fun and finding a Netflix show to binge watch. Any suggestions for a new show?

Small step: To encourage myself to relax and read, I am going to go to the library and get myself a leisure book to read. No textbooks or medical references! Rather, I am feeling a young adult fiction novel.

Live in the moment

All of the above goals tie into this one larger goal. Since I was young, I have tended to keep myself busy by multitasking. I always look to the future whether it be the next thing on my checklist or my career goals. It is difficult to fully appreciate experiences when not entirely focused on the moment. Some mini challenges I would like to try include watching TV without any distractions and going on a road trip with family without spending the entire car ride together distracted by my phone. Let’s all aim to live in today and worry about tomorrow when the time comes.

Small step: When I go out for my birthday dinner with my family, I will challenge myself to leave my cell phone in the car. Time to break the bad habit and get rid of my crutch. There is nothing on my phone that takes priority over my loved ones.

Here is to another year! Stay tuned to see how I do with these goals. I am looking to all my readers to help me stay accountable. What goals have you set for yourself recently

Until next time,

P&P ❤