My word for 2024 is Explore.
At the end of 2023, I decided to return to a few things that have worked for me before, including bullet journaling. While setting up my two new bullet journals (one for work and one for everything else) I thought about my goals for the year and what they might have in common; was there a common thread connecting them? Turns out there was, and that’s how I came up with my word for 2024.
I want to get to know my community and meet new people by joining an organization or club. Expand my skills by taking a class, maybe another pottery class, or something new. I want to master new recipes, and conquer some I’ve struggled with (I’m coming for you, macaron). I would like to grow my connection with S and learn how not to take it for granted. And I want to visit new cities and take a lot more pictures. In other words: explore.
I made some progress toward one of those goals this week. We’ve booked flights and accommodations for two weeks in Europe early this summer. It feels good to have that on the calendar and have that to look forward to after talking about international travel for so long. I will be taking my word of the year quite literally when we take off on our European adventure. It’s a little overwhelming to think about all the possible sights we want to see but we’re excited.
But you know what feels even more satisfying? I’ve already paid for it. After so many years of financial insecurity and not knowing how to manage my money, relying on others to do it for me, it feels damned good to know I can do it, and do it well, myself. I’ve learned how to spend my money, how to allocate it, and more importantly, how to save it. I feel very proud.
Here’s a 14-second look at 2023; I have a feeling my 2024 wrap-up is going to be much harder to consolidate into a few seconds.