Is anyone else struggling to make goals for the new year or feeling uneasy about 2024? I don’t know why this year feels so different for me. I’m peering into the new year and trying to decide what things I would like to accomplish that will enhance my life in all areas, and, not to sound all doom and gloom, but I’m struggling to see that far ahead. Maybe it’s my age? Maybe it’s just me?
The New Year in Limbo
I think perhaps it’s because my mama has her heart valve appointment on Wednesday to see if she is a candidate for a specific type of replacement surgery. We’re kind of in limbo until we know what’s going to happen with that. I’m getting anxious about it all. I just want her to be healthy and alright. So, hopefully, we will have a game plan about all that soon.
The Teen and I stayed up until midnight to watch the ball drop and ring in the new year, but I just sat there, emotionless, and watched. It just feels different. Maybe I’ve listened to too much doom and gloom, but it doesn’t sound like too many positive things are predicted for this year. However, I know that no man can know what will happen or when it will happen. I know that’s up to the good Lord. And so I try to remind myself of that fact.
Looking Back
I even went back through some of my past New Year posts on the blog to see what I was excited about in years past. I was especially on fire in January of 2021. I think we were all so glad to see 2020 come to a close and excited about the possibility of life returning to normal again and what that would look like. I was making meal plans and getting our finances in order. I was excited and hopeful about making those changes for the better. It has been amusing to read back through those posts. Some things have changed for the better, and some things are still issues I wrestle with. I swore I would lose all these extra pounds twenty years ago!
Looking Forward
Of course, looking back and dwelling doesn’t do much good, so I’m trying to look forward. We have a very important event coming up this year when our son graduates high school in May. I am so very excited about that! I’m also turning 50 in August. The Teen will start his college experience in August. We have a lot to be thankful for and look forward to.
Maybe I’m just hormonal, and that’s why I can’t get it together this year when it comes to making many grand goals and plans. Perhaps things will become clear in a few days. I don’t have a “word” for the year, a Bible verse to live by and strive for, or just anything, really. But it feels like a strange way to start a fresh new year, and I’m not sure I like it very much.
In any case, I’ll be using today to set up my new planner for the year, and maybe I will grab some inspiration from that. Maybe I will look back on this post and laugh about it in a year or so. Have you set your goals or intentions for the year? How are you feeling about it all?
I hope your mother’s appointment goes well and you won’t have anything to worry about. You have some big milestones coming up, this year! I kept my resolutions (I called them aspirations) from 2023 as they seem to be still valid for me. I hope you feel better about the year as you go along further into it.
I feel the same way, and from the comments, it seems like we’re not alone. This year I plan to just put one foot in front of the other, I want to focus on the good and try to avoid what doesn’t make me smile. We’ll see how that goes. I hope your mom is ok…and 2024 brings you nothing but blessings.
I relate dear Mandy. I think the news never helps. I think there is SO much beauty and good in the world -but you just don’t hear about that stuff. Just the sensationally sad stuff. And being in limbo with a loved one’s health is always difficult. Insert my virtual hugs here! But I agree – looking forward always helps…and trusting in the One who loved and made you and our world will never steer you wrong. I quit resolutions long ago. I like to think about how I can learn and grow. What I need to leave behind that didn’t serve me last year. And what will bring me joy in the year ahead in good growing ways.
I pray your Mom is okay. And I hope this year ahead showers you in abundant blessings, good health and lots of JOY! xo
My friend, You are not alone. Things are off this year. I agree with one of your reader’s comments above; maybe we don’t need goals. Perhaps we can take one day at a time, looking for the good in each. You do have much to look forward to! And I am also filling in my new planner. That always brings me peace. Hugs!
Ah but Mandy, it’s tough and unsure with your mom. I get it, this year feels different. It’s probably a mix of things. If I lived close, I’d give you a hug. Just let it be. Hugs from your blog friend. Good luck tomorrow with your mom’s appointment. I pray for you.
I truly think everyone sees so much doom and gloom and it just has a way of affecting them. I take it with a grain of salt and go forward. Afterall we know God is in control and we know how THAT story ends!
I just turn it off, turn the page, or keep scrolling. I am sure the worry for your mother is huge on your heart and mind. Prayers for complete recovery for her.
You have much to look forward to this year – just keep plugging away, and give it to God.
I can relate as we know this year will bring some hard times, and election years always bring tension it seems. Yet, it is a mix of good things that will happen as well. It is exciting to have a graduation and a milestone birthday to look forward to! I think there is no pressure to have big, lofty goals. Some years, it is just one day at a time and that is a goal in itself.
I think the uncertainty with your mother’s health is clouding everything. Hopefully, soon, you will know what you are dealing with and can move forward the best that you can. And lurking behind that are some very big milestones coming up with your son graduating and going off to college. When my children left home, I found it both exciting and sad. Maybe you don’t need goals at this point. Maybe you need to focus on one day at a time and get through that the best that you can.
I get it, things aren’t great in our country or the world. Thankfully God is in control!
Praying all goes well with your mom. That certainly adds to the feelings of the new year.
I hear you…truly…you are not alone with this Mandy. I have not set any goals, just a word; Blessed. Because I am Blessed beyond measure. Sigh, turning 50 is a big thing, I will be 57, wait, yeah, 57 (see, I forgot, lol)-yikes…sigh…and I feel like I am /the body is just falling apart, sigh. ANYWAYS—no one wants to hear my doom and gloom, grin. Wishing you a beautiful day my friend.
My goal for 2024 is just to get through the election cycle filled with all the commercials!