Happy new year, dear reader. What do you want 2023 to look like for you? I must admit, I always like odd-numbered years—they always seem to be filled with exciting and unpredictable new beginnings. I don’t know why, but this year feels like it will be filled with lots of exciting gems on personal and professional fronts…possibly because my family loves the number 23 and so many people in my family have birthdays that fall on the 23rd of a month.
I, for one, am looking forward to finishing some writing projects that have been on my desk for far too long. I am also looking forward to beginning some new projects that have nothing to do with politics and elections. I am trying to continue to balance my work life with hobbies that interest me.
I love traveling and have a few trips already lined up. I need to make a list of places I would like to visit in 2023— local, national and international. Because as we have all realized lately, time flies. I am excited about visiting a few countries I’ve never been to, but I am also excited to spend a bit more time in Queens and parts of Brooklyn I tend to ignore.
Ever since the start of the pandemic, I have not been reading as much fiction as I’d like. I hope that I spend less time on my phone looking at Twitter and Instagram, and make time for reading fiction (like I did before I bought a smartphone). There are so many great novels and books of poetry sitting on my shelves that I have yet to read. I can’t wait to dedicate more time to discovering new worlds on the page.
Some of you may know that I am a birder. This past year, I snuck out a few times and went birding at midday and had an incredible time. Birding is so great for my soul. Spending time in nature seeing beautiful little birds surrounding us; listening to their calls; and walking for miles with a dear friend discussing birds, nature, life and more is an amazing way to spend a day. I do hope I make a concerted effort to be in nature more this year.
Lastly, and I say this every year, I want to be better at physical fitness. I’m no longer 22 and able to eat and drink whatever I want. I hope 2023 brings a level of excitement for me and my overall health, whether its exercise, yoga, meditation or walking more.
What are your goals and intentions for 2023? What can you do with family and friends to make your 2023 the best year for you? Whatever it is, make it your best year yet.
Christina Greer, PhD, is an associate professor at Fordham University; the author of Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream; co-host of the podcast FAQ-NYC; and host of the Blackest Questions podcast at TheGrio.