23 things I learned in 2023

intentions x reflections x considerations

this is directly inspired by my friend emily’s list of 23 things she learned and I read approximately a half hour ago in my inbox this morning (emily’s substack every little thing is THE best way to start a morning. last week she asked me to write a letter to my younger self for her newsletter which you can read here ) and thought, huh, that seems like a very healthy and reflective activity. here is mine (maybe you’ll make one too?)

1. do what feels right, as often as you can

2. reading books remains the best dissociation tool I got. my recs: happy place, daisy jones & the six (there are four books in this universe and you should read them all) lessons in chemistry + the show with the perfect brie larson. fantasy is a great escape—I loved fourth wing throne of glass series could go on but I won’t

3. no is a full sentence (and you actually can say it whenever you want and you don’t have to explain yourself! thanks to my therapist claire)

4. traveling to new places is one of the most beautiful things we can do as human beings and it doesn’t have to be unreasonably expensive!!!!

5. the artist’s way by julia cameron and the morning pages WILL cure your writer’s block, despite your doubt.

6. supporting your local businesses is free and easy.

7. keeping your space clean makes you feel better (who would have thought?????)

8. therapy is as necessary as coffee (maybe even more so!)

9. there are signs from the universe if you look for them

10. don’t measure your success in money. of course, our capitalist society demands we do, but how you feel, your relationships, and how much time you spend doing what you love matter so much more.

11. your wildest dreams will only come true if you believe they will. say them out loud and write them down, and ignore anyone who looks at you like you are crazy when you tell them.

12. documenting your life is the best gift you can give your loved ones, future self, your future family, and the world.

13. it is very difficult to make a living as an artist, a writer, or a creator. but it is rewarding and fulfilling and sometimes exhausting.

14. there are so many free classes and workshops and events at your local libraries.

15. procreate is life-changing

16. using layers on procreate is life-changing

17. taylor swift will continue to outdo herself with every single thing she releases, and everytime I think she can’t, she proves me wrong

18. go outside as much as you can. sit by the creek down the road from your office, even if it’s just for a few minutes. nature=best way to combat a depressive episode

19. balance is the key to life

20. never underestimate the power of a kind gesture, a compliment, a huge smile at a stranger for no reason—and give them as often as you can.

21. cats are medicine. everyone should have a cat (two if possible)

22. getting older is not a Death Sentence.

23. if you don’t ask, you’ll never know.

you have 22 days left of 2023. what are you going to do with them?

xoxo,

karlie

instagram: @reminderstomyfutureself

my family’s thrift store in kingston, ny:

www.rewindkingston.com