by: Stephanie Gonzalez photo by: Jillian Lenser Write & re-write your story… Who says you have to do “it” one specific and particular way? Who dictates that the way you choose to do something is the right way, or the wrong way, or the only way? For me: my parents play that role. Most days this level of influence is a really great thing. My parents are loving, kind, generous, smart, and conscientious people who care about the footprints they leave. This means they often can be found sitting on my shoulder helping to guide my decisions, actions, and habits – both at home and at work. But, as I have harvested the entrepreneur in me I find myself challenging “the norms” set by my parents, my friends, and by society. Don’t worry, it’s not like I am going rogue (rogue isn’t really in my DNA). For me, challenging the norm is really quite subtle. I am simply establishing a new baseline as I evolve. You have the ability to BE, DO, & HAVE anything you want (yes, you). Granted, this does not come without focus, purpose, and hard work. But, for 2023 I say: forget the old-school mantra “If it ain't broke, don’t fix it.” On the contrary, these days, I am considering everything to be “broke.” And, if everything is broke – then, everything can use fixin’. Bear with me. That can sound defeatist (and for those who know me well, I hover in the realist-meets-optimist space most days). I definitely subscribe to the notation that “what got you here – won’t get you there.” And, taking into account what I want to fill my 2023 with…what is going to “get me there” is not how I have designed my life thus far. Dissecting my schedule, my routine, and my priorities – there is an opportunity to re-write how I am doing it. My schedule, my routine, and my priorities can all use an upgrade. Even if, in some specific cases, that upgrade actually means a downgrade; downshifting from a high-speed and high-vibration 5th gear to a steady and cruisey 3rd gear. What “got me here” was a relentless pursuit and display of “I can out-work you.” Based on my year ahead, that is no longer going to satisfy or serve me, my family, my friends – or you for that matter. I am in the process of re-writing my story. I feel like I am running into a fire when others are running out. I feel like I am coming off as caring less or having serious RBF – when in actuality, I care more. Not about the path or process (which traditionally passionately consumes me), but about the result and outcomes. I am becoming riskier, less delicate. I am taking a blow torch to most of the recurring events in my life to make room for creativity and spontaneity. I am questioning everything I do – and asking myself “why?” way more. All in an effort to produce an outcome of greatness and grandiosity with and for those around me. I fear being too obnoxious. But, Josh, my hubby, reminded me just this morning that it is greatness, grandiosity, and obnoxious fervor that gets sh*t done.