What I’m Striving For In 2023

Last year I made a list of goals and recently reflected on how I did (that reflection is available here: https://theprose.com/post/560739/looking-back-on-my-2022-goals). I did grow last year, but I didn't accomplish as much as I had initially hoped for. I spent a good chunk of last year in a combined state of exhaustion and survival mode, and I am looking to push past that and progress more on the things I am seeking to accomplish in this new year. For 2023, here is what I want to focus on:

- Continue my forever goal of being a better husband, father, teacher, actor, writer, and any/all other roles I take on now and in the future.

- Spend more time with God, and grow in my spiritual rhythms. I want to work on another forever goal of being better at praying, and also focus on other ways to connect with God that I learned about through the Grow Journey that I took last year through Crossroads Anywhere. Last year I finished reading through The Old Testament, which took me roughly three years to do. I have begun the process of reading through The New Testament, which I hope to complete by the end of this year.

- Get into better writing rhythms. Setting goals during NaNoWriMo this past November was helpful, and I want to commit to advancing at least two of my work in progress stories throughout this year ("The Ultimate Hero Network? A Short Story Collection" - https://theprose.com/book/3184/the-ultimate-hero-network-a-short-story-collection & "New Adventurers: Enter The Pirate & Crew!" - https://theprose.com/book/3137/new-adventurers-enter-the-pirate-crew). I also want to write at least 1-2 Bible Journals each week, complete gratitude journals each week, get involved in writing collaborations, and potentially get published for the first time through a children's book I am working on with my friend. I also want to practice recording audio versions of my work in an effort to work towards my goal of becoming a voice actor.

- Last year I read 567 books. I do have to admit that the majority of these were children's books that I read to my students. This year I want to get into a good reading rhythm and end the year with another hefty total of books read, but I am going to try and have more books that aren't written for 5 year olds in the 2023 count :-)

- Last year I wanted to finish some more video games, including Persona 5 Royal. This did not happen, but I am going to try again this year. Some great stories can be found in video games, and I am going to seek out more stories to enjoy this year, including those told in the video game medium.

- Just like last year, I fully intend to grow, improve, learn, and level up once again. Happy New Year everyone - I wish you all a wonderful year ahead!