A Different Approach

The past few years, I’ve been making a list and usually not checking it twice. The second number of the year became the number of items on the list. Except in 2021 when my year was less and I made a more sensible list that still mostly didn’t happen.

Twenty four items just sounded like way too many things this year. Plus, I could make a list of 24 things, carrying quite a few over from 2023 and tell you right now the items on the list I’d likely accomplish as well as the things I would not. For example, my reading goals. If I put read 100 books on my list, I’d do it because I love to read and am always reading anyway. On my phone while waiting on things, before bed, to put off doing other things. I just love to read. I could put quit eating sugar on the list (again) and I’d waste my time as I have a sweet tooth. Putting that on there would just want me make sugar that much more (side note, I’ve been doing quite a bit of reading/following of accounts on intuitive eating).

A Different Idea:

So, instead of the same old things, I decided to approach my list a bit differently this year. It still is a list of 24 but I divided it by 2. I’m just picking two areas of focus for each month of 2024. Does that mean it might be a bit vague and against all the advice and rules as such for goal setting? Yep. Do I care? Nope. If all that works for you, go for it! Doesn’t work for me so I’m doing something different. Is one right and the other wrong? I don’t think so. We all have to find what works best for us and I have a feeling this is going to work really well for me. Hopefully.

My 24 Areas of Focus for 2024*

January: Clearing and Cleaning

February: Love and Understanding

March: Health and Happiness

April: Growth and Travel Planning

May: Dreaming and Career Choices

June: Relaxing and Resting

July: Home Improvement and Organization

August: Friendship and Connection

September: Education and New Beginnings

October: Nature and Nurture

November: Gratitude (duh) and Grace

December: Joy and Peace

*Subject to change after January

More on January’s clearing and cleaning focus soon.

Thoughts Leading To My Word For The Year 2024

As often happens, my word just came to me. Actually, it’s been there all along in song I suppose.

A few weeks ago I watched Frozen again when it popped up on regular tv. I still stand by the opinion it’s really not that great of a movie (the second one is actually much better, I think).  One thing I can’t deny is the song “Let It Go” and have I had it stuck in my head ever since? Of course, even this morning, it was going through my head.

The truth is I’ve been struggling with my word choice because I wanted to take the year to focus on taking care of myself, resting (last year certainly had its stressful moments), having my turn, figuring out what was next. Then, I’d struggle because that all seemed so selfish, self-care briefly entered my mind as a word but again, it felt selfish. I am not allowed to be selfish, something that while I probably am just that, I’m also terrified of being that. Here, I’ll wait while you go what is she talking about or go grab some aspirin for the headache I’ve just given you with this paragraph.

What do those two paragraphs up there have to do with each other? They led me to my word of the year.

My word for 2024: Let.

This is the year I want to:

• Let it go: the guilt, the negativity, the clutter, the things that are not bringing me peace
• Let God: trust his timing, let him be the guide, give up the control a bit (this will be a struggle for me, I already know)
• Let it be: this goes back a bit to a 23 list item of accepting that I am not responsible for the ill will and conflict of others
• Let myself ask, speak, and feel: another struggle, however, this year, I’m letting myself ask for help when I need it, letting myself let my feelings be known (if it matters), and letting myself feel (I struggle with withdrawing and shutting down when emotions are heavy and if you’re wondering, that’s not always the best way of coping)
• Let myself have permission: time to allow myself to do the things that bring me joy and that I need to do to take care of myself with less guilt (guilt-free is the ideal)

Let’s see where this little word with so much great power shall lead me.

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Did you choose a word for the year? Are you a list/goal setter for the new year? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.