The New Year is Here. What Are Your New Year’s Resolutions?
Hello, world! It’s already 2024, the New Year is here. Time flies, and I’m back from a great year-end relaxation.
Welcoming New Year, and Reflection on 2023
The Strange Year
Last year was quite peculiar for me, I must say. I started my own blog, enrolled in the CS50 course (although I didn’t complete it, and realized it wasn’t the right fit for me), authored a book and self-published it on Amazon, resigned from my corporate job, and learned to accept the uncertainty of not having a steady income (which I thought was impossible given my personality – I’m a planner at heart and not a fan of living spontaneously).
My Achievements
In 2023, I experienced a sense of freedom. For once, I didn’t feel the need to set goals or plan ahead. I lived my 2023 without the pressure of achieving certain things to impress others. Instead, I simply followed my desires and did what made me happy. It was a year without stress or worry, and I enjoyed it to the fullest. In the end, it turned out to be a great year for me.
What I am most proud of
I am proud of myself for not having any regrets in 2023. Throughout the year, I was always doing something productive for myself, my family, and my future. I had a routine of writing regularly on my blog and on Medium. In addition, I baked sourdough bread almost every day, practiced yoga frequently, and paid attention to my own needs and mindfulness. I am proud of myself for not getting stressed about not having a secure job and for not giving up on opportunities that came my way (which probably brings me back to my old self, running on a hamster wheel). Even though some of these opportunities could have led to a 9-to-5 corporate job, I did not give in and stayed true to my goals.
What to look forward to in the New Year
The Best Year Yet
I am looking forward to 2024, as I believe it will be the greatest year for me. The best part is that I am not obligated to work in a corporate job that I do not enjoy. After reflecting on my decade-long career in 2023, I realized that I have not chosen a career that I want to continue for many more years. In the past, I have taken on any opportunity that would provide me with a visa, a steady income, or something that people would admire. However, I have come to understand that these career paths did not give me a sense of fulfillment, especially when I experienced long COVID, burnout, and stress, which led me to seek the help of a psychologist.
My Career Choice
I have made the decision to pursue a career opportunity in 2024 that ignites passion within me. This opportunity should make me excited about the future. I have the best support system at home in the form of my husband and children. It is only fair that I pursue work that I enjoy and that makes me happy so that I can set a good example for my children to follow in their own futures.
My New Year’s Resolutions
1. Mindful and healthier body and mind
I have set my intention for this year to focus on leading a mindful life with a healthier body and mind. Apart from practicing yoga, I have been neglecting exercise and eating healthy, and I intend to change that. I want to get back to my stronger self before the long COVID hit me. Therefore, I became a gym member yesterday, and today, I worked out at the gym and made myself fully sweat from it. You know what? It feels amazing!
2. Learning and getting a certificate
I miss learning new things, so I decided to enroll in an online course. This course is something I’ve been interested in for a long time, even though it’s not related to my current legal profession. I’m curious to see where this newfound interest will take me. Perhaps it could even lead to a new career path.
3. Creating New Memories with My Family
My husband and I are very family-oriented people, and we have decided to take it to the next level by doing more family activities, including outdoor activities. Our son is no longer wearing diapers, which means we have a bit more freedom. We plan on doing more camping, road trips, and spontaneous outings to create new memories together.
4. Freelancing
I am not someone who wants to sit idle and waste my abilities. I want to use my skills to help others and contribute to my household finances. Therefore, I have decided to explore freelancing opportunities. Initially, I had hoped that my blog would become successful enough to provide for me financially, but I have come to realize that I am not proficient in marketing or ads. I enjoy writing and sharing my knowledge through my blog in the hopes that it benefits others. However, the prospect of freelancing excites me, and I am eager to find new and exciting tasks to work on.
What Are Your New Year’s Resolutions?
The new year has arrived, presenting an opportunity for us to reset and start anew. The word “new” is synonymous with hope, and it allows us to push ourselves to achieve new heights. If you haven’t yet worked on your new year’s resolution and require some guidance, you can click here to read about goal setting for the new year.
Wishing you all the best in 2024! May this year be as great and successful as mine will be.
