It’s once again the time everyone considers new year resolutions. It’s a time some use to start fresh on goals that maybe they did not accomplish the previous year. While in reality time doesn’t magically become any different, but the freshness the new year brings is kindly symbolic.
I know not everyone cares and there are enough memes out there about being the same person as the previous year, but I enjoy the concept of resolutions. You’re welcome to check out last year’s blog on the same topic. I achieved some halfway and completely ignored others. I didn’t accomplish any of my goals in their entirety, but I gave it the best shot I could.
2023 was as average of a year as some I’ve had. I kept the same job. My son and I celebrated our birthdays. My car had a few repairs needed as it seems to need every year. I continued to live in my lovely apartment. I gained a few unwanted pounds. I continued my journey to becoming a published author. Most importantly, I survived. I made it through each day even on the hard days. Luckily, there weren’t too many of those.
I did lose the one person in my life that felt like would always be there. My grandpa passed shortly before the new year. Something about him made one believe that he would be around forever. I loved my grandpa more than most. He had the best heart. My therapist once asked me who in my life I would consider loved me. The first thought in my head was my grandpa. He always showed up for me. When he ran his grocery store, he would always be there to teach me the ropes. He always encouraged my goals and said I could do anything. He always played with my brother and I and made us laugh. He taught us how to be creative and make unique items one wouldn’t see anywhere else. He taught us to love those around us. He always showed up on Valentine’s Day with a chocolate rose and told us he loved us. He was a constant in life and even as I got older and moved across the country, he still had a presence. I knew he was asking about me and checking in on how my life was going. He never had an attitude of “I told you so.” Regardless of what happened in life he would simply listen and then move on to what was next. He was the best storyteller. He had some of his favorites he would share consistently. He had some humorous ones and ones that were simply mesmerizing. He could draw in anyone who met him. He would always help those in need and never ask more from someone than what he knew they could give. I loved him so much and losing him is the one completely horrible part of 2023.
As we move into 2024, I hope to honor my grandpa with the life I live. I want him to know I’m continuing my dreams and hopefully write some things that he would be proud of.
In 2024 I have a few resolutions. Here is my list:
- Fill in journals with my thoughts.
- Continue writing my novel.
- Go to the gym at least once a week. (Gotta start small)
- Eat more vegetables.
- Support my son’s needs at school.
- Try to start up my book club again.
- Try to convince my mom to move to Texas.
- Drink the daily recommended amount of water.
Last year I was able to write in a journal every month at least a few pages, except for the month of December. I had a journal for each month, and I swapped them out on the first of each month. I hope to use the same journals and continue writing in them to hopefully fill all 12 up this year or at least in a few years.
I continued to refine some of the pages I’ve already completed towards my novel last year. This year, I hope to write more original content and add it to the work already done. I would love to get a rough draft completed, but we shall see.
I was fairly consistent for a good half of the year towards my gym goals last year. I slacked off towards the end of the year and want to get back into the habit of gym attendance. Even if it’s just walking on a treadmill for an hour, that’s more than I was accomplishing towards the end of last year.
I honestly couldn’t tell you a time I truly ate many vegetables last year. I felt accomplished when I would add lettuce and tomatoes to a chicken sandwich at a drive thru. Who are we kidding though, I would almost always pull of the tomatoes when the texture would get to me and a few lettuce strips a year isn’t going to cut it. I truly need to work on my eating habits and hope to add more veggies to my meals in 2024.
My son struggled with kindergarten in 2023. He was new to school and hasn’t adjusted well. I’m hoping to get some services set up for him in the new year and ensure he has what he needs to be successful.
Last year I fell flat on my book club goals. I couldn’t find the umph I needed to post as much as I wanted and reading the books would sometimes be me shoving them in the night before we were supposed to meet. I want to consider doing one book every two months to see if that takes off some of the pressure. I hope my friends are still interested in joining me!
My mom has been caring for my grandpa for a number of years. Since he passed, she may consider moving. I have always wanted to live with my mom again, but she loves living in her current home. I don’t know that she would want to stay without my grandpa so I’m trying to convince her to live with me. Texas is lonely without my mom and having her around would be so peaceful and enjoyable. I hope she’ll consider it!
I LOVE water. Aside from milk and juice every once in a while, I only drink water. I know water is good for your health. I want to stay hydrated and reap the benefits of having enough water in my body.
Just as I said last year, even if you set resolutions and don’t accomplish them, you’re still amazing. It’s always worth trying to accomplish your goals but you’re not any less worthy if you don’t in the timeline you hoped, or even if they’re never reached.
I also plan to reach more goals toward my blog and website. I would love to get updated photos and make the site a little more refined. I would like to post more blogs in general to keep a consistent flow of words out to my readers. I would love to know if there are any topics y’all would be interested in reading about. Feel free to comment, email, or reach out to me on my Instagram.
The ideal situation would be to write a blog a week, but I think I’ll likely accomplish at least one a month. That’s what I’m shooting for. I appreciate those that continue to support me, especially my mom. Thank you for reading my blogs. I hope to interact more with y’all in 2024!
Ariel Pierce 