New Year Energy

As the clock strikes midnight and the new year unfolds, I can't help but embrace that fresh wave of energy. “New Year, New Me”, my mind is already filled with dreams of a new beginning. Suddenly, I feel the urge to set resolutions, make plans, and embark on a journey of self-improvement. Before I realize it, I've mentally overhauled my entire life. Yet, amidst all of my aspirations, it's easy to be swayed by what everyone else seems to be doing – as if everyone is hitting the ground running on January 1st.

Meanwhile, I find myself trudging along, striving to get organized and decide truly what matters most. I start a list in my notes app, all my thoughts about what would make 2024 truly great. After all, it's impossible to tackle them all, and I prefer to excel at a few chosen endeavors.

In the first week of the new year, I review the few areas I'd like to focus on. I revisited these ideas, dedicating time to discern which ones should take center stage.

The List:

  • Become a morning person

  • Embrace meal-prepping

  • Embark on a low-buy year

  • Start a book club

  • Utilize what I already have

  • Transform into someone who doesn't rush to work

The list is seemingly endless – a compilation of changes that promise personal growth and potential life-altering shifts.

As one year concludes and another begins, I indulge in reflection. Did I achieve my goals? How well did I fare?

Amidst the growing list of aspirations, a singular word consistently echoes in my mind – Align. Interestingly, a few weeks ago, I wrote  an article about Align Leggings.Is this how this “word” entered my consciousness? I was even wearing leggings at that moment, suggesting some divine intervention.

For 2024, my focus is simple: aligning with myself. Before committing to anything, I ask, "Does this align?" with the work I want to engage in, the direction I aim to pursue, and the person I aspire to become. If the answer is no, that's it.

It's a subtle shift in perspective – a goal without predefined metrics. I get to decide if my decisions and choices align, putting me in control of the success of this new approach.



This post is part of a blog hop with
Exhale—an online community of women pursuing creativity alongside motherhood, led by the writing team behind Coffee + Crumbs. Click here to view the next post in the series "Hello".

Linda Dumas