First, let me wish everyone a Happy New Year!!! And yes I know it is January 11th and we’re almost two weeks into 2023, but I believe the etiquette is that you have thirty days to wish those you haven’t seen a great new year. With that said let’s get into it.

At the end of every year I like to take time to review my year and the events that shaped my life. I usually write these in my journal for my eyes only. But, this year I thought it would be cool share that list with you. So, here are the fifty things that shaped  my 2022 year. I urge you to do your own year in review. This is a great exercise to remind you of all the things you learned, accomplished, and helped you to grow.

1. Turning 55.
2. Starting a mastermind group with some amazing women business owners. This experience has been a game changer for me. These women gave me the support I needed when I decided to close my health coaching business and go full-time with my art business. Talking about a pivot. That is one for the books
3. Morning coffee and conversation with my HOA (husband of awesomeness). This is something that we have done for a while. But to have someone you can share your thoughts and ideas with and have no judgement is the bees knees. 
4. Creating my vision journal: this is the second year I have done this type of journal. It is something I can carry with me where ever I go. I have pictures, ideas, thoughts,etc. I can journal in it and sometimes I write my prayers in it. This year though, I was able to do this with my squad which made it even sweeter.
5. Not having a garden this year: This was by choice. I felt I could not take on one more project. Not realizing I was suffering from burnout. But, oh how I missed not having my garden. This year, it is on. 
6. Leaving my health and wellness practice:  Best decision I have made in a very long time.
7. Suffering from burnout: The worst thing ever!!!
8. Being diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 55: The best thing ever. My diagnoses helped explain my past and gave me the courage to start a new life. ADHD is my super power.
9. Turning to my art for healing: During this time of burnout my art helped heal me. It saved my life.
10. Making the decision to go all in and build my art business.
11. Finding and becoming a member of a community of artist, curators, gallerist and art collectors. Thank you Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club!
12. Applying to my first art call: I got it!!! 
13. Being chosen for my first art exhibit at Crain’s Communication.🎉
14. Creating an art practice that helps me to be more productive.
15. Selling my art online.
16. Reading and applying the methods of the book Profit First Mike Michalowicz.
17. Discovering and rediscovering artist who inspire me.
18. Developing my skills as an artist.
19. Creating my inspiration board.
20. Being intentional about my art and business.
21. Getting crystal clear on my life’s vision.
22. Starting my first paint series.
23. Learning how to paint portraits.
24. Painting my first portrait.
25. One of my guilty pleasures: Listening to the J.ILL podcast with Jill Scott, Aliya St. Claire and Aja Graydon-Dantzler. 
26. Starting my second mastermind group of creatives.
27. Letting go of my morning routine.
28. Building my faith and trust in God and myself.
29. Reading about the Law of Prosperity in “You To Can Be Prosperous.” I will never look at prosperity the same.
30. Being in awe of son number one finding his passion.
31. Being in awe of son number two living his dream and landing his first paid modeling gig.
32. Being a part of an amazing group of women business owners for a monthly segment on entitled “That’s Rich” on Pep Talk Live with Tisha Hammond on YouTube. 
33. Loving  the music group Tank and the Bangas. They are giving me life as I go through my creative process.
34. Learning Portuguese which has not happened yet, but I have two more weeks. “Obrigada.”
35. Cleaning out my closet and working on detachment.
36. Watching baby videos when I need to smile.
37. Binging on GOT. Yes, I was late to the party.
38. Learning more about the Harlem Renaissance, which has inspired my desire to create my own intimate space for creatives to come together to have meaningful conversation, express ideas, and collaborate around art, culture, and politics.
39. Getting COVID and experiencing a type of sickness I have never experienced before. This had me reevaluating my whole life.
40. Inviting my cousin to my studio to spend a day of painting, laughing, eating donuts and drinking coffee so that she could connect with her inner child and create.
41.  Appreciating my friendships and staying connected.
42. Cultivating new friendship at the age of 55. That is a blessing! 🙏🏼
43. Always being inspired by music my favorites are Tank and the Bangas, Afro beats, and House music is life.
44. Realizing that there are still in-crowds even in the art world, and they intentionally exclude others because they think they’re not “cool”. Reminds me of the Mean Girls movie. 
45. Yearly friend evaluation: Letting go of old friendships, and knowing what category other friends fit in.
46. Taking my own advice and taking off the last two weeks of the year.
47. Having the courage to submit a proposal for a solo show in 2023.
48. Learning how to sketch eyes: Big deal to me.
49. Drawing my first face.
50. Painting my largest piece ever 48×60 inch canvas. (I’m still working on it 🙂)

I wish you peace and prosperity in 2023 and I am looking forward to seeing what 2023 brings forth this year.

Please feel free to share the things that shaped you this past year. I would love to hear from you.