My 2024 Word of the Year + Goals

“Why save the good stuff for later?”

I heard this phrase from the movie Ticket to Paradise, and I took it to heart. Then another phrase came to me…

“Don’t postpone joy.”

This is clearly a theme the Lord has woven into my heart, and I’m going to try really hard to embrace it in 2024. If I learned anything in 2023 it is this: we are not guaranteed tomorrow. You may not grow old. You may never use a cent of the money you’re so desperately saving for retirement. I never expected to be widowed at 39. That Judson’s life would end at 44.

WE HAVE TO LIVE NOW.

Every year people around the world set resolutions or goals that they are looking forward to accomplishing to spark positive change.

Despite their best intentions, most of the determination and glow of a fresh year/fresh start get quickly mired and murky by this thing called life. (You can view my post on how to CRUSH those goals here.)

I don’t like failing year after year, so I’ve adopted a WORD OF THE YEAR philosophy. This word sums up most of my goals and then some for the hope of positive change and intentionality. For 2024, I have chosen the word…

VIBRANT.

Doesn’t that sound perfect?

Because 2020 was hard. And 2021 was harder. 2022 was horrible. 2023 was the worst ever! I stayed as intentional as I could during those precious years of my baby’s life, but I’ll tell you what – it was one hurdle after another. I’m not going to get bogged down in the negatives, but if you’ve been following me for any length of time you know my story.

I have made a list of obtainable goals that will make life more vibrant, and I will incorporate them each into my monthly routines. I also have a short list of “to-dos” as well that will help me have more fun in 2024.

Exercise more – I ran half marathons in 2020/21 despite great loss and hardship. I’m dedicating myself to do it again this year. (Maybe I should do these on even numbered years to stay motivated?)
Get organized – An unfortunate side effect of my frequent travel to Texas for Judson’s treatment is my home management has all but disappeared. We’re lucky to wear clean underwear and have food in the fridge these days. I will get this under control. And thanks to a super special housekeeper, we already have this underway.
Learn a new skill or hobby – I have always been very skilled in musical arts, singing or playing an instrument. They come naturally to me. But I am not good with visual art. I’m looking at different options that I can try to I give me a new creative outlet – painting, scrapbooking, flower arranging. Do you have a suggestion? I am a busy person, and activities like this help me decompress without adding anything to my schedule.
Live life to the fullest – I will be sharing more of this in the future, but I have a huge list of activities planned out for my year.
Save more money / spend less money – This is just a good skill for me to have!
Spend more time with family and friends – I hate to keep blaming things on Jud’s diagnosis and our frequent travel to Texas, but it has played a part in my withdrawal from social activities. I love my local MOPS group to meet new ladies outside of my immediate church community, and I have to say it is such a blessing! The Junior Auxiliary gives me a group of friends with deep hearts of compassion. And my girl tribe in both Newton and Hattiesburg means the world to me.
Travel more – Jeanie is getting back out there! Iiam and I have been traveling like crazy, and this will be the most VIBRANT year yet!
Read more – You’re probably thinking how she could possibly read more, but yes, this is a goal!