How does time move so fast?
The other day, 2023 started. We’re already into the next month. And as I write this, we’re in a deep chill, with a furball curled up next to me, so all is good in the world.
At least in my eyes!
So here we are starting out a new year. And I honestly let time flip on me this month. I had so many things going on and, unfortunately, some stress-related things. I did, however, take a lot of photos this month. And the photos I have taken are the ones that have helped with my stress!
You guessed it — Harper.
So, I might be taking some liberties this month. One good thing, though. I’ve been using my main camera a lot more again. That is one of my goals this year, so it’s exciting to pull it out and use it.
I’m going a little different with my post, though. I’m kind of using photos as part of my description for life as it moves forward.
I hope wherever you are, you are enjoying all that you do and capturing moments!
Here are my five for the month! Let’s see what you all have!
1. New year, new view
January, of course, brought in a new year. While I wouldn’t say 2022 was bad, it had some issues for me. My heath wasn’t the best as I didn’t pay attention to my blood sugars as I should. I did walk a lot (thanks, Harper!), but I allowed a lot of stress to get to me and that led to stupid eating. A lot of that stress, too, came from outside work and it included things that just shouldn’t create stress. My goal is to change that in 2023. Life is too short. I have a milestone birthday this year and I would prefer the year to be enjoyable, rather than filled with stress.
2. Looking around is nice
Sometimes, the little things in life can really get to you. And what happens there is you tend to stop looking around and seeing all the good. There’s a lot of good in this world. So as this new year really gets underway, I am pledging to myself to stop and look around. Harper likes to sniff a bit, so it’s easier to peek around.
3. Enjoying life more
If you look ahead, one needs to enjoy life more. How does one do that? Well, there are many ways. The first is to start worrying about your own health. For me, it means getting things in order and starting to hold myself accountable in as many ways possible. Cutting out stress eating. And just enjoying life. That, of course, will include Harper as much as humanly possible. I mean, how can’t you enjoy life with this pup looking up at you?
4. New friends
Harper has made a lot of new friends and it’s been great. Not only just for her to be able to play, but the overall socialization. It’s nice when you can hang with some other dog owners every once in a while in a non-stressful and non-competitive situation. It’s also funny when everybody is snapping photos of the crazies running, wrestling, playing. Somebody said I have a private dog park in town. I think that’s a great way to look at it. And we make sure the dogs are all cool with each other, which has been fun.
5. Many adventures
This year will hopefully give us many chances at adventures. Be it hiking, exploring, geocaching, baseball games, dock diving, or many other things, the adventures with Harper will be something I will always look for. New sniffs and places, and all sorts of other things. She’s been a rock to me since I got her, and I love seeing where it will lead next. Here’s hoping you will all have some amazing adventures as well throughout the year!
BONUS!
Couldn’t resist one more of Harper playing with one of her friends!
There’s my five and let’s see what you came up with! If you took part in this month’s challenge, make sure to link up below.
And for those of you who participated, make sure you try and get to other people’s blogs and comment (here, too!).
Let’s continue to grow this challenge and have a strong community. Come back and check out the others who link later on, too! NOTE: We have a Facebook group for those who participate in the challenge and are interested. I’ll post any announcements there and hopefully it can be a place where things are discussed and some interaction etc. You can access it here.
** CHALLENGE CHANGE **
From this point forward, I am going to do the next theme at the bottom of each linkup. Also, the posting date will now be the first of each month, thus giving you the entire month to take the photos etc.
That means it’s a one-stop shop! Hopefully this helps out with everybody.
So, below is the linkup for September. Make sure you drop your link there.
OK, so it’s time to keep on moving! I know this month can be crazy, so … February’s theme is … Love. Remember to come back on (hopefully) March 1 to link up and check out the theme for that month!
Photo Blogging Challenge: January 2023 results
Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook!
I didn’t count, but the word that dominated your post (apart of “Harper” of course), was “stress”.
Please do what you can to reduce it. As you’re saying, life is short. Unfortunately we just experienced a dear friend passing away too soon.
I absolutely love your private dog park that hosts Harper’s cute friends. They must be having so much fun!
Hopefully your plans for this year also include attending an Islanders game!
Tamara recently posted..Nice, new, and looking ahead
It’s plain to see how important Harper is to you, and vice versa – the February theme should be easy for you two! As for caring for your health and choosing not to let most things stress you out, those are lifelong practices. And I do mean practice! We all slip up, sometimes for long stretches, but the thing about practicing is that it’s never done and it’s never too late to start practicing again. Wishing you all the best in 2023, as you look forward to celebrating your milestone birthday in the context of a new mindset.
So much wisdom packed into this post! First, always love to see pics of the fur baby! January was stressful on many fronts here too. It’s so easy to not notice the good in life. I, too, celebrated a milestone (Medicare) birthday this month ? and will work harder to make sure my year is healthier. It’s never too late to start again! X
Happy New Year. Blessings and love to you and to Harper. Thanks for bringing all these strangers together into this little community!