Roxy’s Favorite Things 2023
As we bid farewell to 2023, I find myself reflecting on the past year and the life experiences it brought. For me, it was a more grounded, dare I say happy, year than I’ve had in a while. For many, 2023 was a year of coming back to life filled with more moments of growth, self-discovery, and health improvements than the preceding covid chaos years. I’m grateful to feel a little more like myself these days and maybe you are too! In this blog post, we'll explore some of my favorite things from 2023 that helped me become a better version of myself, slow down, and find more wellbeing, joy, and peace in my day-to-day life.
Daily Movement & Meditation Practice
Meditating at Esalen, Big Sur, Winter 2023
I have always been drawn to the practice of meditation as one of the few things that helps my mental health, anxiety, and overactive mind, but this year I committed to getting up every day well before my family to practice and I feel so much more grounded, light, and content with my day-to-day life. I recommend the Insight Timer App and/or Headspace App for guided meditations. I listen to this Singing Bowl Mix on Spotify and use the Seconds App Timer to do my own thing with my own mantras and affirmations I’ve come up with.
As this little website proposes, I believe in moving the body every single day for sanity and health. Lately I love strength training at CoreBarre, hiking, and walking as much as possible.
Intermittent Fasting
I have found renewed health and energy and lost weight by following an intermittent fasting protocol that is aligned with my hormones. I loved the books Fast Like a Girl and Feast, Fast, Repeat, and The Complete Guide to Fasting.
Continuous Glucose Monitor
I found a continual glucose monitor to be super helpful in fasting safely and effectively and figuring out that I have blood sugar issues. I started monitoring my fasts with a Keto Mojo device and upgraded to the Signos device after getting lots of very erratic, high, and low readings. I am learning how to stabilize my blood sugar and my energy levels, sleep, and general wellbeing are better for it. My partner says I am nicer to be around these days!
Retreats
Hiking Retreat Lunch
I love going on retreat for personal growth time and space. My favorite place to retreat to is Big Sur, California. I often hike, rest, meditate, and journal. This year I assisted a workshop with Steven Harper and his Gestalt Awareness Practice retreat it was just incredible and helped me feel more grounded and present and I’ve been carrying it with me ever since participating in it. Wilde Big Sur holds a special place in my heart as well and is another great Big Sur option.
Soulful Content
I found my way back to my favorite hobby of reading this year and it feels so good! We live in a time of copious amounts of entertainment, stories, and content. As I came back to the world outside of my covid baby bubble, I really tried to be intentional about what I consume. I enjoyed reading for fun and growth both and these rocked my world in particular:
For Fun
Lessons in Chemistry, Cormoran Strike Series, Remarkably Bright Creatures
For Growth
Hunt, Gather, Parent, The Tribal Ground Gestalt Community, The Way Out Is In Buddhist Podcast, Unlock the Sugar Shackles, and The Career Change Podcasts. I love using the Libby App to borrow books on my kindle.
Conclusion
As I reflect on 2023, I’m grateful to feel a little more grounded and sane than years prior. The lessons learned and health practices adopted have set a foundation for a more balanced and fulfilling life. As we step into the new year, let's carry forward the wisdom gained, the clarity achieved, and the commitment to holistic health for a brighter and more soulful future.
Reach out if you have questions on any of this, happy to share my story and perspective more fully.