As we welcome in 2024 many people will be creating New Year Resolutions. I’ve never been one to make resolutions – invariably I won’t stick to them – but I do like to create goals for the new year. My goals for 2024 are:
Read 50 Books
2023 was a good reading year for me. I hope to continue that streak by continuing to read and/or listen to books each day. I am going to try to read all 12 of my book club books this year (which would be a first!). I’ll be using an app to track the books and coloring page to track the days I read.
Focus on Fitness
This means beginning to workout consistently again and getting back into walking regularly. Also, focus on increasing my water intake. Using both an app and a coloring page to track my cumulative distance.
Focus on Happiness
To achieve this, I am going to keep a happiness journal. I did a happiness jar in 2022 which I loved but then didn’t want to discard the slips of paper after I had re-read them on New Year’s Day. The journal allows me to record stuff in a format that can be kept if I want to.
Blog Consistently
I enjoy writing as a means of processing my thoughts and feelings. I also enjoy sharing my opinion, especially on books I’ve read. I am working to change the design of the site so that the blogs are more accessible, and the site is easier to navigate.
Philanthropy
Giving back is very important to me. This year I would like to expand the Christmas program to include an orphanage in Jamaica. I turn 50 this year. I am hoping to use that as a way to get attention and donations for some of the homes in Jamaica working with disadvantaged children. I also want to make this the biggest and most successful year for the angel tree program.
I’d like to participate in at least one activity a month so if you have an organization or an activity, please let me know about it.
Travel
I am on sabbatical for the first 7 months of 2024 so I would like to use that time to travel. In particular, I would like to visit at least one new place in the United States and one new country this year.
DeClutter
I am amazed at how quickly we accumulate things. I plan to spend some time really getting rid of so much of the stuff that we no longer use. Especially since the kids are not here most of the time, we can clear out their rooms and pass the things on to people who can use and love them.
I always find the end of a year a bit sad. Looking back over the year can create some melancholy. But then the next day allows you to create a new vision for your life. I am looking forward to what 2024 can be as I prepare to turn the big 50!
Happy New Year to All!
