Less & More (my 2022 priorities)

It's finally summer time.

As the middle of the year approaches, I'd like to reflect on how great 2022 has been so far. 
More than that, I want to focus on my priorities. What do I need to do less? What do I care about more?

Chicago views from Lakeview Ave
    

This list doesn’t mean I’m never going to do the things on the left and only do the things on the right. I just know that less of one and more of the other will make me happier. Some of the key ones I’ve been thinking about are in purple.

And some of them, I hope, will also make me a better person to show up for the wonderful people in my life!

 

So, as you scroll through this page, I hope you take this middle of the year 2022 to reflect a little, plan a little, and really enjoy life!

*if you’re not in the mood to read, remember, this is more for my self-reflection than anything. Feel free to scroll to the pics! 

Happy summer to all (except for my Southern Hemisphere friends- happy winter! ;))

 

Less ...             More ...   

worrying 

smiling; enjoying the moment

processed food

healthy food (but also dessert!)

talking to be heard

listening to understand (really need to work on this one) 

comparing myself to others 

being self-aware; encouraging my friends

buying clothes I don’t need 

thrifting & getting rid of clothes 

wishing I spoke Spanish better

actually practicing Spanish 

being embarrassed

being confident 

Instagram stories & DMs

thoughtful texts & phone calls  

swiping on dating apps

introducing myself in real life

uncomfy heels

sandals & sneakers

sunburn

sunscreen & hats

getting defensive

laughing at myself!

assuming

learning

slouching

stretching

being hungover

getting outside (even if I’m just hanging in my hammock)

binge-watching TV alone

reading (or watching shows w/ friends)

ordering takeout

cooking homemade meals

drinking shots [at least the ones I don’t like]

drinking quality cocktails & wine & beer

wasting food

portions; prepping weekly meals

being evasive

being honest

saying “I don’t know”

saying “I’ll be there”



Other things I just hope to do more often!

  • walk some dogs
  • hold some babies
  • snuggle with my dog Izzy in STL
  • see coworkers in person
  • organize game nights or pool/lake days
  • try new foods & get more creative with spices
  • play tennis & volleyball
  • write! (working on that now :))
    • next post: Ireland vacation! from June 2022

And since I've hardly been on social media since February, I'll share some photos from my best moments of 2022 so far.



January: New Jersey quarantine w/ Jen & Kell; still semi-excited when it snows; Boston Trip; Australia Day; skiing in Wisconsin

 

     



February: Chiefs football watch parties; Hairspray musical; Anthony’s birthday; Galentine’s; indoor volleyball; 36 hrs in Champaign; Bigwood turns 30

   
   
 


March: St Paddy's x2; parents visit + cousin time; Northwestern bball games; Paige's NZ wedding; Virginia's 25th; a wild Marquette cousin weekend; Kennedy's birthday

 

   
 


April: Whistler, Canada! Lady Gamecocks bball champs; a rare Brad sighting; Nashville Koalas reunion; relaxing in STL with family & Izzy; Brianna & Matt wedding; Susan visited Chi town; Jami’s birthday; Chicago Gamecocks meet the prez; Tampa visit to Linds with Allie!

     
   
  
    

  


 

May: in office days; Mo's shuffle board bday; Reneé's visit; sunshine, lake time & rooftops; Brinda moved back; Book Club trolley; Meredith & Taylor's reception; beautiful Bozeman & Yellowstone; finishing my 5th quarter of grad school!
   
  
  
            


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