A very happy 2024 to you! I am writing this on New Year’s Day, a day that always brings me mixed emotions – a bit of sadness for the holiday season’s close while being excited for a fresh start. I feel this as I put away the Christmas decorations – though I still leave out some string lights and winter whites for January – and as I move through the last day of winter break.
our home this evening after putting away much of the holiday decor, keeping out the winter
This winter break inspired my words for the new year – in the final days of 2023, a word kept coming to me: present. I feel that this winter break, I truly slowed down and was present in most days and moments, which allowed me to really enjoy this time, and for once feel that it didn’t fly by in a blur. The most important switch I made happened on Christmas Eve, when I decided not to engage with my phone over the holiday during family celebrations and to limit the time I was spending on it thereafter. My idle activities included knitting, puzzles, and reading, with a conscious effort to not constantly reach for my device or endlessly scroll – something that can easily lead to comparisons, anxiety, and a lack of contentment in my own life.
And so I wish to continue this habit into 2024, by making an effort to be present. I will do this by establishing boundaries with my devices, by reaching for something other than my phone when I feel the urge to unnecessarily to pick it up, and by connecting with my body through yoga and mindfulness.
On this morning as I was making my tea, another word popped into my mind as I looked at my “Joy to the World” mug, and that word was peace. I have a habit of wanting to control what happens and putting pressure on myself for when things are not just right. Instead, this year I wish to choose peace – to be content with the occurrences of my life and let go of the pressure, and to simply flow.
And so, my words for 2024 are present and peace. It will be a journey for me, and I would like to try.
Do you choose words or have goals for the new year? Wishing you a wonderful start to 2024.