A Break Up Letter, With Love, to New Year’s Resolutions

Dear New Year’s Resolutions,

There is something I’ve got to get off my chest.

From elementary school essays and college dorm vision boards to Facebook posts and journal entries into adolescence and adulthood you’ve been there… reminding me of the year ahead, the person I want to become each January. You’ve played such an important role in my life for so many years, that it pains me to tell you that… I think it’s finally over between us.

• It’s not you, it’s me. You see, that person I want to become each January? The one you remind me about every year? I’m already her. Sure, I may not be the best version of her every single day, but I show up and I do my damndest. Of course, I know you do, too. I’m not saying you’re at fault here, you’re just doing your job - reminding each of us to do better, to reach higher, to go farther this year. I mean, that’s great advice!

• I think I just need space right now. It’s been a difficult few years for the human race if I’m being honest, and while I love the idea of “reaching higher” I think a lot of us are just fine with reaching next to us or just slightly across from us right now. I don’t know if anyone’s ever told you this, but you can really put the pressure on. Maybe timing just isn’t your thing but the end of the year midholidays really is one hell of a time to throw the whole “new year, new me” mantra in our faces.

• I love you, but I’m just not in love with you. I’ve always loved dreaming up what the new year will hold and challenging myself to dig deeper into what I want the next 365 days to look like. I love you for the gentle reminders and the added accountability. Even the publicity you bring with you every December and January is really something to behold. There are whole industries obsessed with you, using you in their marketing ads to help coax people into buying their products or subscribing to their services just to keep up with whatever resolution they committed to. You’re impressive, I’ll give you that.

• We’re both looking for different things, really. This year, I’m reminding myself that January 1st isn’t special. There’s nothing scientific about starting a goal in January that says we’re any more likely to achieve it. In fact, it may be hard to hear this, but I think you make it more likely NOT to for some of us. I don’t need you to remind me that the turning of the calendar is my chance at a fresh start, because every day is a fresh start. So this year, I’m not looking to walk hand in hand when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, but I hope you’ll still cheer for me anyway.

• You’re going to make some lucky girl really happy someday…It’s just not meant to be me.

I greeted the new year with my head held high about every little thing I accomplished (and didn’t) last year. Keep reminding people of what’s possible and be there when they need you.

I’m keeping my eyes set toward the future each day and I’ve got my sunglasses ready because I know it’s going to be bright.

Best Wishes for a Happy New Year.

XO

TARYN JEREZ

Hi! I’m Lauren. I’m a freelance writer, a food blogger and the official Forsyth Mags Foodie! Stay tuned each month to find everything from achievable dessert ideas to healthy, quick dinners that’ll happily feed the family. @brightmomentco | abrightmoment.com

BY LAUREN SEPHTON

Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

Servings: 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 18 minutes Total time: 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS

4 Salmon Fillets (4-6 oz. each) 1 lb. Fingerling or Baby Yukon Potatoes 1 bunch Asparagus, trimmed, about 1 lb. 1/2 cup Unsalted or Salted French Butter, melted 1/3 cup Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed 4 Garlic Cloves, minced or grated 1 tsp. Salt 1 tsp. Black Pepper 1 tsp. Onion Powder 2 tbsp. Chopped Parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400F. Line a rimmed baking sheet pan with parchment paper. 2. In a bowl, whisk the melted French butter, lemon juice, grated garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and chopped parsley. 3. Slice the potatoes into bite-sized wedges, if needed.

Add the potatoes to the prepared pan. Drizzle one tablespoon melted French butter mixture over the potatoes, and toss until well-coated. 4. Bake the potatoes for 15 minutes. 5. Push the potatoes to the side of the pan. Add the salmon fillets and asparagus in the center. Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper. 6. Pour two-thirds of the butter mixture over the asparagus and salmon. 7. Bake for an additional 12-18 minutes, or until opaque throughout and potatoes are fork tender. Broil for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy immediately!

BY TARYN JEREZ

A monthly column that keeps its finger on the pulse of Forsyth’s artists and their inspiring stories!

Yolanda Grier | Abstract Artist & Author

This month’s featured artist and author, Yolanda Grier, shares her perspective and journey of finding beauty in the broken, sharing the wholeness that healing brings in each of her works.

How would you describe your work?

I would describe my art as expressive healing art. My paintings are informed by color, form and rhythm that lead to conversations about life and thriving. There are layers of stories in many of my paintings. These layers may or may not be seen, but they add depth and history to the building of the art. As a survivor of trauma and abuse, I found joy and healing in art and art journaling. The cheerful colors I use in my painting is a stark contrast to the dark place I was. I didn’t know that’s where my heart was leading me. I just had to trust the journey of creativity.

What influences your art most?

I am influenced by rhythm - the rhythm of life, of seasons, of relationships. The rhythm of brokenness. The rhythm of being made whole. I am influenced by shared life experiences that lead to conversations about overcoming challenges and learning to be brave. So, the rhythm of a mark leads to a brush stroke and the rhythm of the brush stroke responds to a new color choice. Therefore, the painting evolves after the push and pull, cover-up and reveal rhythm of my hands or mark-making tools.

Many of my titles reflect the commonalities we all share as we heal and become the person we are meant to be. Yet, as we continue to evolve so does the painting, as each viewer experiences something different.

How have you evolved, personally, as an artist?

I realized that the work of healing was up to me. Regardless of the trauma I experienced, it was up to me to do the work. I had to forgive and then forgive again. I had to have conversations with myself and be more open while writing in my journal. I evolved from being afraid and waiting for permission, to being courageous and welcoming challenges.

I was writing and creating art and these creations were personal and shared with no one. I began to notice that time moved differently while I was creating. The creative space was sacred. I remember praying and asking God to help me. I couldn’t imagine not thriving for the rest of my life. I realized that art placed me on a path to healing. I had to embrace my own creativity and then share it, first with my family and then with the world. Creating a personal art journal was one thing, but sharing my art with the world was another. Sharing honest art created safe spaces for honest conversations.

As an artist and an author, how do you combine your two talents together most often?

As a creative, it feels seamless to write and create art especially in my art journal. Art journaling as a means to self-care and wellbeing is powerful. It gives room to play, discover and reflect. Combining words, colors and images can be relaxing, reflective and engaging. Often after teaching art journaling classes, women share with me about their own discoveries and epiphanies about life. How do you carve out time to be creative?

My creative time is very important, so I carve out time on purpose. Years ago, I read the book, Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. Though I knew my creative cup was easily filled in the early morning hours, this book helped me realize the power of consistency. I have a reminder note in my studio that reads, “Show-up.” I often remind my students of the time they have to work on their art, not necessarily to finish. I, too, show up to move or find rhythm in my studio, because movement will inevitably lead to finishing.

What are you working on that excites you right now?

Currently, I am working on a collection of art and my 3rd book titled, “Whispered Stories.” This project has challenged everything I proclaim about being free and living boldly. I am excited because this project is bigger than me. I believe in the healing power of art and journaling, as this is life giving and life changing. My first book, Heart in Pieces Made Whole and my second, The Other Side of Whole paved the way for this collaboration of art and the written word.

What is one piece of advice you’d like to share with fellow artists?

Show up consistently while spending time with yourself, getting to know yourself better so that you create the most honest art you can. Get to know yourself and then share with the world.

first look

at the 2023 Women on the Move Leadership Conference

BY TARYN JEREZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN BLACK PHOTOGRAPHY

There is magic in the making as we countdown to Monday, March 20th for the 2023 “Women on the Move Leadership Conference ‘’ hosted by Forsyth Woman Magazines. We hope you will join us for the second year of bringing our monthly “Women on the Move” column to life in conference form. “Women on the Move” has highlighted the incredible accomplishments of women in our community since Forsyth Woman’s inception 16 years ago!

This year’s full day event is made possible with the generosity of our presenting sponsor, Renewal Med Spa at Salem Plastic Surgery, and will bring together our community’s incredible women who are ready to learn and grow both personally and professionally. Attendees can expect to take part in an inspiring and empowering event at the gorgeous Winmock at Kinderton in Bermuda Run surrounded by hosts, speakers, sponsors, and attendees who are ready to show up for each other and themselves.

EMPOWERING OUR COMMUNITY OF WOMEN

Forsyth Woman has brought together a group of powerhouse ladies from our community—from those in business, to owners and entrepreneurs, for a day full of impactful presentations, networking, shopping, food & drinks, and much more. “Forsyth Woman is thrilled to be hosting this conference again this year! We feel it perfectly aligns with our mission of celebrating women,” said Brooke Eagle, Publisher of Forsyth Woman Magazine. “Seeing this conference bring our column to life was so amazing last year! The empowerment, love, support, kindness, and good vibes that were felt throughout the entire day were absolutely beautiful. I was honored by the feedback we received from attendees for literally weeks afterward and can’t wait to serve the women in our community again this year!”

A CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE DESIGNED WITH YOU IN MIND

If you attended the inaugural conference last year, then you got a taste of what a delicious event this is, but trust us…2023 is going to be taking it up a notch!

This event has been created for women of all ages and all walks of life. Attendees do not need to be a business owner or in any specific niche for this event to make an impact! Brooke shared that, “Each and every one of our speakers were strategically and thoughtfully chosen to ensure every woman gets so much out of this experience! We want you to come as you are and know you are exactly where you need to be!”

Leadership Conference

THE 10 TRUTHS…. AND SOMETIMES THE TRUTH HURTS Emily Davis

Owner of Fleet Feet Winston-Salem & Clemmons, Co-founder of Mission: Feet First

fleetfeet.com @fleetfeetws

WEALTH ACTIVATION & STRATEGIES TO TAP INTO YOUR HIGHEST POTENTIAL Kay Hillman,

Owner of Becoming CEO

mrskayh.com @becomingceo

The Women on the Move Leadership Conference is going to kick your week off right when you arrive on Monday morning to a room filled with women as hungry for a purposeful and passion-filled life as you are. Be Kind Coffee will be ready to greet you with your morning caffeine fix so you can jump into the day!

Local vendors will be joining throughout the day for photo ops, an afternoon cocktail hour featuring Thirsty Buffalo and of course, in true Forsyth Magazines fashion, opportunities to shop and support local retail businesses!

Lunch will be catered and offer a plethora of snacks and beverages to give you energy throughout the day. Attendees can look forward to receiving swag bags filled with products and special discounts from all sorts of local businesses as well as the chance to win one of several door prizes announced throughout the day.

This isn’t a sit in your seat and take notes kind of conference! In between our standout speaker presentations, there will be opportunities for community building with two of our 2022 speakers, Jordan Gomez of the Body Confident Blueprint and Taryn Jerez of One Crafty Miss; leading us in an intentional group networking activity to get attendees more deeply connected. WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE

Whether you come with a group or decide to venture alone, there is a room of women ready to welcome you. The Women on the Move Leadership Conference is the experience you’ve been waiting for, and it won’t be the same without you! Forysth Woman has every expectation that tickets will sell out before the event date; therefore, it’s highly encouraged to register and get your ticket in advance. To keep up with all the latest conference announcements and behind the scenes looks, be sure to follow @ForsythMags on Facebook and Instagram pages as the event gets closer!

If you are interested in purchasing a table or have any questionsabout the event, please email conference coordinator and Publisher of Forsyth Magazine, Brooke Eagle at brooke@forsythmags.com

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS AT: tinyurl.com/WOMConference

THIS YEAR’S LOCAL LEADERS SHARING THE STAGE

PRESENTED BY: BOUNDARIES: EMBRACING & EMPOWERING Mary Beth Ivester,

Owner of Ivester Homes, LLC

marybethivester.com @marybethivester

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & MENTAL HEALTH Alexia Mitchell,

MSW, LCSWA, Owner of Reset and Heal Consulting

resetandhealconsulting.com @resetandheal

Women in Philanthropy: THE NEXT 100 YEARS OF IMPACT IN FORSYTH COUNTY Antonia Monk Richburg,

Ph.D., President & CEO at United Way of Forsyth County

forsythunitedway.org @uwforsyth

EAT THIS, NOT THAT— LEVEL UP YOUR NUTRITION TO RECLAIM YOUR HEALTH Alice Smith,

MS, RD, LDN, CHC, Owner of Alice Approved