New Year, New Goals

I can’t believe 2023 is just around the corner. But a new year means a new start, a fresh slate, and an opportunity for change. My goals for 2023 are about protecting my sanity and enriching my life by setting boundaries and practicing better self-care.

No More Online Arguments

One of my New Year’s Resolutions for 2023 is to be less confrontational. I have a bad habit of getting stuck in other people’s issues, especially when I see something wrong. I want to point out the problem and offer a solution — but not everyone wants to change. So, for 2023, I’m going to find contentment in myself and not worry about others unless they ask for help.

The saying used to go, “Don’t look at the YouTube comments” because they were full of arguments and opinions that may be controversial or just plain bad. Now, however, bad faith opinions, misinformation, and clickbait controversies are everywhere online. I try to pick my battles and avoid online arguments as best I can, but sometimes I feel the need to say something in defense of someone or something I care about.

In 2023, I want to spend less energy arguing with strangers online and more energy spreading accurate, meaningful information instead. Disagreements often turn to hate and slander, leaving a bad taste in people’s mouths. I’ve mistakenly engaged in discourse and called out behavior publicly when I could have discussed the matter privately with those affected.

With more and more people using social media platforms and the internet as a whole from a young age, there are plenty of discussions going around — some good and healthy, others full of hate and vitriol. It’s easy to find yourself in a constant battle against others who have different feelings on subjects you care about. It’s even harder with disinformation, misinformation, and clickbait articles going viral over the facts.

It’s also important to note that online advocacy only goes so far. Addressing an issue on a digital platform is all well and good, but taking action is just as important to back up your message. I want to use my energy towards actionable items both in and out of online spaces.

Taking a Step Back

I also plan to take a step away from being a “content creator” to instead just be me. I get so caught up in the metrics of social media, trying to keep up with trends, trying to boost engagement and follower numbers, as well as spending precious time and resources on things that simply do not spark joy anymore. I feel like I’m running myself ragged on things that are just not important enough, while missing out on the things I do enjoy.

My focus, which was supposed to be for this year–but I got sidetracked, as usual–is going to be on writing. I’m an author at heart, with a debut novel in the publishing process and more poetry collections planned. If I could turn off all social media, tuck myself into the woods, and only use my computer for writing and research (as well as keep a pile of books on hand), I would. And I would thrive. Unfortunately, one must work to support these endeavors in this society. Maybe one day we’ll be able to pursue our passions without the limitations of bills and rent.

What does that mean for this blog? Well, readers may have noticed that I no longer post once a week–or on any consistent schedule. I have several drafts that I started and never finished. I’ll still write articles about what I enjoy, but I won’t be worried about when to post. I always welcome ideas, collaborations, and sponsorships, however. So you may not see as many posts from this blog–but I’ll still be sharing what I love from time to time.