2023 was a journey that took an expected twist. I’m so thankful for my family for getting me through these past few months.

2023 has convinced me to be somewhat neutral about 2024. It has me feeling cautious and walking on eggshells, but the Sagittarius in me can’t help but be optimistic and still hope it’ll be a good year.

I usually have goals and resolutions for the upcoming year. I’m expanding it a little to include mindset changes. These are some of the reminders and ways I want to live in 2024.

Accept that people are judgemental

People are judgmental, especially about anything they don’t understand, haven’t experienced, or think they wouldn’t tolerate. There’s definitely layers to it, but as a society, we will probably always be judgmental and that’s what it is.

That being said we should do what we want within reason, drown out the voices (including your inner voice that’s worried about being judged), and create and respect our boundaries.

In other words: Embarrassment? What’s that?

Take up space

We don’t have to make ourselves small for others. We can say how we feel, even if it’s uncomfortable, even if it’s after the fact, if we want. We can cry and laugh and be loud, annoying, quiet, funny, etc. We can show up as ourselves and not tiptoe around others. (This doesn’t mean to be inconsiderate).

Ask for what you want

We don’t have to accept situations or people for what they are all the time. We can ask for what we want and change courses when we see fit.

Accept being misunderstood and disliked

We don’t have to explain ourselves to everyone. And when we do explain, we don’t have to keep reiterating it until they get it, unless we want to. Not everyone has the same beliefs, outlooks, values, and worldview as you. Not every disagreement has to be an argument.

Once we accept this and that not everyone will like us, it’ll be easier to live authentically and take up space. Besides developmental reasons, there’s a reason kids act how they do. Society hasn’t told them they have to be a certain way yet.

Be more intentional

I’m a type B personality and very go with the flow. I think about how I feel in the moment, partly because of my disease and pain threshold. However, this year I want to be more intentional about the content I engage in, the things I do, and the people I talk to. I don’t always want to follow other people’s lead or match their energy.

Other resolutions

This year I also want or hope to…

• Read at least 20 books
• Be healed from surgery aftermath
• Take a picture every day
• Post a blog post at least once a week
• Complete first year of grad school
• Go on at least 1 trip
• Spend less time on my personal Instagram

The year is what we make it. A pro tip would be to check in after three or six months to see how your goals or resolutions have changed and adjust them accordingly.

Here’s to 2024!