New Year, New Opportunities!

the pandemic and the impact it had on each one of us and the world: we lost loved ones, it changed our rituals and our wanderings, it affected our homes and our communities. I think of my dear friend overseas who was healthy one day and passed away just a month later. Although they are not great thoughts, they help me to make sure I don’t lose track of what is truly important and where I put my energy and time going forward.

A new year comes with new opportunities. Although there are things we cannot control in life, 2023 is what we make out of it. It is time to seize the opportunities presented to you this coming year. First and foremost, spend time with people you love – always. Pick up the phone. Make some plans. Get outside, even when the couch is calling. Immerse yourself in a good book. Eat good food. Have some wine. Stay up late. Go to concerts. Go for a sail. Travel abroad with someone you care about. Tell your stories. Tell others’ stories. Listen. Call your kids or grandkids. Move your body. Give back. And always be grateful for another day.

As Leisure World goes into 2023, I believe that we will see this community overall seize opportunities. As we embark on another year together, I am excited to see our momentum forward. Although the nation, and especially Phoenix region faces certain economic and fiscal challenges, still trying to recover from COVID, the biggest disruption in the world, we are coming back better than ever. My goal – and the goal of our leadership and their teams – is to ensure our residents have the resources and service they need for optimal living. We are committed to providing a positive and collaborative culture for a promising future! Our team will continue to work diligently with the Board and residents to enhance our community and promote unity, all while maintaining an attractive and fun environment for our residents.

Leisure World is much more than a place with buildings, it’s a community, it’s your community! It’s a place of greatness measured by the caliber of its people and what makes us thrive. My hope for you and yours in the New Year is that you can truly focus on what means most in life. Give yourself permission to not sweat the small stuff and do the things you desire and share it with the people you care about. I hope the new year brings new opportunities for connection and growth. Take advantage of enjoying the benefits of living in such a wonderful place and embrace 2023.

I hope that when I am out and about in the community, I have a chance to visit with each one of you. Together, we will continue to create a thriving, harmonious and prosperous community known as the best place to live in the Valley!

Happy New Year to all and may 2023 be your best year ever!

Can you believe it? 2022 went by so quickly! A new calendar year…another 12 months! Wow! I am excited for this year. I get excited for every year simply because it is another year of growth, blessings, lessons, and surprises.

Every New Year’s Eve, my husband and I have a tradition that we open our envelope of goals from the previous year and cross them off. We actually did very well in 2022 as far as achieving our family goals. I crossed off a few on my personal goal list as well. This year, my husband and I have decided to create more experiences between the two of us and for our children. We have been working so hard to purchase our home here in Arizona and put our family in a good financial position that we haven’t had many vacations. This year we have two very big vacations and a few small ones on the roster. We definitely plan to explore more of Arizona as we haven’t had the full adventure of this beautiful state since we arrived 5 years ago. One of my major goals besides getting into heavy research for my dissertation is to write my third book. I know. I know. Those of you who have gotten to know me will ask, “why are you putting another thing on your plate?” Honestly, I am most productive when I have many balls in the air. Writing for me is so cathartic and I am a writer to my core. I have characters in my head waiting to get their chance to grow on paper. I have been putting this book off for about six years now. This year…I start.

Fitness is also a major goal on my personal goal list. I started working out on my lunch break in December. There is just no excuse for me to not get back to taking better care of myself. I was an avid runner-up until my pregnancy with my last baby, Zayden. Since having him and adjusting to having four small children with an extremely hectic schedule, I have lacked in taking time for myself and investing in my health. So, if you see me at the gym, just know that I am holding myself accountable to my goals while working on my body, mind, and sanity.

It is my hope for 2023, that we have a little more kindness, compassion, and grace for one another. I know that this is a hope for many people as our world is just experiencing so much rage and mean-spirited attacks that we all need just a little more love and to experience more acts of kindness. It may be wishful thinking; however, I think we are all tired of chaos and confusion. I am going to continue to do my part to be a blessing to someone each day. 2023 for me is all about growth for myself and my life impacting those around me. I want to be more aware and intentional with my purpose.

I heard a great quote by Oprah that said, “we cannot live a brave life without disappointing people.” I plan on living my life this year with the best intention of seeing greatness come through me and be around me. I want to see the fullest of my potential explode and carry me to places that I did not expect for myself. I want to be a light that radiates compassion, bravery, courage, and love. Hopefully, my light can connect with others, and we can become a full spectrum of light. Wouldn’t that be awesome? So, my mantra for this year is to be brave and open to receiving every good and perfect gift that is meant for me.

I wish the same for you. This year, be brave and complete the thing that you have been putting off for whatever reason. In the grand scheme of things, life is short, be courageous, jump in with two feet, and expect the blessing that is attached to your faith. Go ahead and surprise yourself!

Have a wonderful new year!

Be brave and be ready for the blessings!