Resolutions

“Be like the ocean... Breathtaking to look at, strong enough to not be destroyed, and gentle enough so that others find comfort in your presence.” – Author Unknown

Hello Dear Friend,

Well, I don’t know about you but for me 2023 went by like a blur. I can’t believe we’ve celebrated Christmas and rang in a New Year all while saying goodbye to yet another holiday season. As I sit here watching an icy winter day unfold, I’m comforted to be in the coziness of my living room enjoying the scent of pine and the soft glow of twinkle lights shining from my Christmas tree for just a little while longer. I know I’m a little late showing up to the New Year’s party but I’ve been thinking a bit about my life, the New Year, and what I’d like to focus on and pursue in 2024.

I’ve never really been one to make New Year’s resolutions. Oh sure, I’ll make some plans and think up some goals to strive for but I wouldn’t necessarily categorize them under resolutions. As I’m catapulted into 2024 I’ll start off by saying what I don’t want to happen. I don’t want my past to dictate my future and I don’t want the girl I use to be to define the woman I’m becoming. I know that for some (including myself) it’s easy to make excuses as to why you’re a certain way like it gives you a pass for not needing to overcome things from your past, let go, and grow into the best version of yourself.

Live, Laugh, Learn

“Next time...we will laugh more, we'll love more; we just won't be so afraid.” – Queen Latifah, Last Holiday

I’m tired of being a creature of habit that constantly retreats to find comfort in my own solitude. Often times the retreat has been good, necessary even. But if I’m being completely honest with myself, far too often I tend to use my solitude as more of a crutch and use the excuse of being an exhausted introvert as an escape from the world. Even I know that over time, it isn’t good for the soul or the mind. So this year I want to challenge myself more and say yes to more of life’s opportunities.

Last year was intense. It was crazy and tiring but good at the same time. Unfortunately, my writing was forced to take a backseat during it all. But as I look into the New Year I realize that the previous year woke me up in some ways and I want to work at reigniting some flames that I slowly let burn out; hobbies, desires, passions, dreams, etc. This year I’m looking to take back those things that bring me joy and make me feel alive. I want to travel and explore, have adventures, build a community, love and be loved, and to pursue that best life that God has planned out for me.

This year I want to love myself more. I realize that in some areas of my life that means going a little easier on myself. I also know that in other areas it means I need to take some more action and show some more discipline. All around, I guess I’ve come to realize that I want and need to put more focus on me and truly move towards taking care of myself. I want to be more intentional with what I allow and put into my life and have the courage and disciple to strip away what no longer serves any benefit, brings only toxins, or no longer offers any joy. I want to be mindful of my mental health, I want to strengthen myself physically, and I want to grow spiritually. I want healing, I want peace, I want to dwell in the knowledge that my life is a gift from God and I want to live out every moment treating it as just that, A GIFT. I want to live in the present and find the joy and the blessings in everything no matter what the situation is or the outcome. I guess you could say that this year my resolution is to live on purpose and with intention.

With love,

a Poetic Soul