Ready or not, here we are

The new year is upon us and social media is filled with 2024 memes and posts. Many are funny, some are weird, others just forgettable. But, one that I see every year is a post/meme/declaration that “I don’t make resolutions,” or some similar variation.

Now, I say to any and all, you do you. Do what feels right for you, or don’t do what doesn’t feel right. For me, setting goals comes naturally, and a fresh new year is often the right place to start. I often do this on my birthday, also. But my 2023 birthday was a raging dumpster fire and seemed too heavy a time to set new goals, or reassess earlier ones.

Another popular saying/meme is “Begin today and imagine where you’ll be in six months. Or don’t begin today and imagine the same thing.” I’m totally on board with this one. I think it’s important to remember, though, that setbacks are a normal part of the process. Don’t think you’re going to start (insert your goal here) and not have any hiccups. You definitely will. My goals tend to zigzag all over the place. Sometimes, I’ve been disciplined and able to step right back into the goal seeking process; other times, not so much.

So, for 2024, I’m setting goals. And, for the first time in a while, I’m sharing them here.

-Walk closer to God. Work on daily habits of reading/studying the Word and increase time in prayer.

-Get my health issues under control. This will involve improving my diet and moving my body more, so this one is multi layered.

-Let go of worry and believe God works through all my aggravations, big and small.

And, to be honest, that’s it. Those three goals take up very little space on the page, but take up most of the space in my head. Go figure.

May your 2024 be filled with warm fires and lovely friends…

…and the sound, worry-free sleep of a two year old.

Looking forward

In keeping with my resolve to write more, I’ve decided to share some of my other resolutions here. If nothing else, it keeps me accountable.

I’m currently at the beach on a much needed getaway with my sweet man for our 43rd wedding anniversary. We’ve worked a little, but mostly we’ve taken it easy, reading, walking on the beach, some mildly disappointing restaurant experiences (a completely different blog post), and polishing off our Christmas shopping. The last few months have been physically and emotionally exhausting, leading to some mild depression for both of us. We see the light at the end of the tunnel, though. I’m pretty sure it’s not an oncoming train, but we’ll have to wait and see.

Like a lot of people, I’m participating in Dry January. My drinking isn’t really a problem, but I like to have extended dry times to remind myself of that and to give my exhausted liver a little detox. Let me know if you’re participating in 2024.

I’m really focusing on my health in 2024. The stress and anxiety of the last couple of years have taken their toll on me, and I’m done with that. I know the way to better health and I’m resolutely on that path starting now.

I’m taking more pictures of me. I’ve avoided cameras long enough. No, I’m not crazy about my aging face, but dang it, it’s the only one I’ve got, and when I’m gone I want my children and grandson to have some pics with which to remember me. As a former professional photographer, I’ve always known better than to avoid the camera, but those extra pounds and droopy jowls made me do it anyway. Done. With. That.

I’m not going to let others tell me who I should be anymore. This means a conscious stepping away from social media and removing toxic people from my life. It also means taking a stand with some in my life that I’d rather not have confrontations with, but it’s time to stand firm.

I am a nerd, and after 62 years, I’m embracing that. If you follow me here, be prepared to see book reviews/recommendations regularly. I may have a “What Are You Reading “ post regulary. I love to get personal book recommendations. I also love PBS Masterpiece, and I may sneak in a recap of one of their amazingly well done shows. Right now, I’m looking forward to the new season of All Creatures Great and Small. Any other Masterpiece nerds out there?

2024 is nigh upon us. Here’s to the upcoming year.

Merry Christmas!!!!

2023

Do you ever have years that just register in your mind as “aaaaaarrrrrrrrrgggggggghhhh”? That’s been 2023 for me. Dealing with health issues, in-law’s winter stage of life, building new houses (for others, not me), business growing pains (for which I’m thankful, but still overwhelmed), and just trying to live my best life, it’s been an exhausting year.

My goals for 2024 are simple: write more and exercise more.

Writing and running have always helped me process my life, and I haven’t been doing either of those much this year. Why haven’t I been doing that through all this life upheaval? I think that completely explains my mental health status at the moment.

Stay tuned. I’m making a commitment to be here more.

In the meantime, enjoy some beautiful baby boy.

Christmas Magic