My ‘Me’ Year

If you’ve been around for a while you’ve likely heard me talk about my ‘Me’ year. I have spent 2023 focusing on improving myself. It’s a daily struggle. I have goals, some writing related, some not, that I am determined to meet. There’s a TikTok creator (@taycrums) who went viral for her morning routine that started with her getting up at 3 a.m. She consistently says in her videos to “hold yourself to a higher standard” and I love that.  

When I turned 30, something inside me shifted. It was as if a switch had flipped, and I suddenly realized that I had been living about the last two years of my life on autopilot, constantly saying yes to things I didn't want to do, and allowing others to dictate how I spent my time. I knew it was time for a change – a year of focusing on myself, my passions, and my well-being. If I didn’t change something, I was going to lose myself completely. 

This is where the term my ‘Me’ Year came from. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and reclaiming control over my life.

Embracing Postpartum and Rediscovering Writing:

My ‘Me’ Year began as I stepped into the world of postpartum motherhood for the second time. Amidst the sleepless nights and diaper changes, I decided to reignite my passion for writing. Writing had always been my solace, and I couldn't wait to get back to it after abandoning it for over a year. I started journaling and blogging about everything that came to my mind from motherhood to my works in progress. I’ve always used writing as my creative outlet and reconnecting with my inner self has been great.

Consistency in Social Media:

Recognizing the importance of consistency in today's digital world, I decided to hire someone to help with managing my social media presence. This allowed me to focus on what I loved – creating content – while ensuring that my online presence remained active and engaging. It was a small but significant step toward regaining control over my time. A big part of me hiring someone was to be consistent with my posting schedule. I never posted on any type of timeline and there were times I’d go months without posting. I know that to grow my following, I need to be posting multiple times a week consistently. Right now, that’s working for me. At some point I do hope to be posting daily and to be doing way more on YouTube and TikTok. 

The Power of Podcasts:

I’ve also made a conscious effort to incorporate more podcasts into my daily routine. These audio gems not only entertained and educated me but also provided valuable insights and perspectives that enriched my life. Podcasts became a source of inspiration, motivation, and continuous learning. I listen to other authors and actively seek out podcasts that can help me learn more about self-publishing.  

Planning for the Future of My Small Business:

My small business had been a side hustle for years, but for my 'Me' Year, I decided it was time to give it the attention it deserved. I delved deep into analyzing its potential, setting goals, and creating a strategic plan for its growth. This process allowed me to envision a future where my business could thrive and provide me with greater fulfillment. I realized that yes I want to write and publish books but I also want to help other people do that as well. Long-term I want to be publishing and editing for others. I want to host writing retreats. I want to create book boxes. I have so many big picture goals that I hadn’t ever taken the time to flesh out before this year. 

Prioritizing Self-care and Health:

I committed to improving my overall well-being, starting with my health. Eating better and incorporating regular walks into my daily routine became non-negotiable. These simple yet powerful changes not only boosted my physical health but also had a positive impact on my mental and emotional well-being. I feel so much more energized when I am tracking my food and walking daily. 

Time Management, Prioritization, and Setting Boundaries:

One of the most significant realizations during my 'Me' Year was the power of time management and prioritization. I learned that when I said, "I don't have time," it often meant, "I'm not making that a priority." This awareness empowered me to allocate my time more wisely and efficiently, focusing on what truly mattered to me. I am also saying no way more than I ever have in my life. Before, I would say yes regardless of how much was already on my plate. These days I either say no or tell the person that I can but not until X date or time. This has decreased my stress significantly, because I am setting boundaries with my time instead of constantly being in this chaotic state of trying to do too much all the time. Perhaps the most liberating aspect of my 'Me' Year has been the decision to stop taking on things when I don’t want to do them. I realized that it was essential to set clear boundaries and protect my time and energy. By saying no to activities, commitments, and people that drained me, I created space for what truly brings me joy and fulfillment. 

My 'Me' Year is an ongoing transformative journey of self-discovery and self-care. It taught me the importance of taking control of my life and how I spend my time. By focusing on what I'm passionate about, planning for the future, and embracing self-care, I was able to create a life that aligns with my values and aspirations. As I move forward, I will carry the lessons of this year with me. I know that to continue to be successful with this, I will have to keep prioritizing myself. I have the power to shape my destiny and prioritize what truly matters and so do you. 

If you have any questions about putting yourself first, email me at shalanabattles@gmail.com