Here’s to 2024: A Kickass Approach to Those Boring New Year’s Resolutions

Ditching the old, embracing the bold

As the countdown to the new year begins, we bid farewell to 2023. For some, it resembled a roller coaster ride that unfolded like viral TikTok trends — packed with highs, lows, and plot turns that left them wondering, “How is this happening?” For others, it was more “meh” than exciting.

Congratulations to those who achieved their goals and lived their best lives because you inspire us all.

Regardless of how the past year played out, it’s time to enter the new year with renewed enthusiasm for a fresh start because it’s that time again — the season of resolutions. As we approach 2024, a “new year, new me” energy promises us endless opportunities, waiting for us to reach out and grab them.

The best of intentions

Let’s face it, though. How often have we set out with these grand plans only to see them fizzle out faster than a first date at a hot dog stand?

The pursuit of change can feel as mysterious as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s promise, “I’ll be back,” in the Terminator movies — sounds good, but the execution is a whole other challenge. What if, instead of drowning in a sea of ambitious goals, we could distill our intentions into a single, powerful word?

It’s time to ditch the exhaustive to-do lists for a more kickass approach, Terminator-style. Because, hey, “I’ll be back,” but with a resolution twist this time.

What to do, what to choose

I recently stumbled upon an article by Jessica Levine, where she discussed choosing a “word of the year” and aligning one’s life with it. She opted for “calm,” and the idea struck a chord. (Check out her post linked at the end of this article)

Being a writer and word lover, I tried to think of one to focus on for the upcoming year. I thought about the word, comeback — to remind myself of the importance of never giving up, persisting through setbacks, and pushing forward until I reach my goals.

But it didn’t speak to me as much as I’d hoped.

My failed portmanteau

I considered creating a word mash-up like comebackable. Whatever tasks we face in life, however challenging they seem, can always be made comebackable — they can be broken down into smaller, more manageable challenges that can lead us to success.

I figured if Brangelina and Bennifer could do it, why couldn’t I? But, my attempt sounded as hokey and ridiculous as the names given to the celebrity couples.

Unfortunately, being a self-proclaimed multipotentialite with diverse interests and pursuits, choosing just one guiding word proved as tricky as deciding which movie to watch.

Giving up for something better

I contemplated the existential crisis of indecision. I gave up on finding a new word, like I eventually gave up trying to find a new movie to watch. Instead, I always opt for “Dirty Dancing,” a timeless classic which I’ve seen countless times. Because, well, choices are hard.

But who doesn’t love watching Johnny say, “No one puts Baby in the corner,” before he pulls her to the center of the stage to tell everyone how he’s a changed man from knowing her?

I’ll be back and showing up for myself

Instead of one word, I landed on a phrase that packed more of a punch than even I’ll be back. I decided In 2024, I would not only be back but also consistently showing up for myself.

Women usually show up for everyone! The ones we forget are ourselves.

We worry about the happiness of our spouses or partners. We ensure the kids are cared for and sacrifice time to take them to piano lessons, sports, or anything else they need.

We take care of everyone when they’re sick.

We shop.

We clean.

We do laundry, make dinner, and keep the house running.

Then we go to work and spend all day placating our bosses.

We drop everything for other family and friends when they call and run to help.

However, we must remember to show up for ourselves, too. If we don’t, burnout and resentment will brew under the surface, waiting to erupt. After all, women juggle so many things simultaneously. It’s like balancing on a tightrope with roller skates.

The power within

We need to take time for self-care and permit ourselves to do what makes us happy, even if it’s just taking a few minutes each day to check in with our thoughts and feelings or scheduling time to read, write in a journal, or go for a walk without any distractions.

It doesn’t matter what it is — the important thing is that you make yourself part of the equation.

It’s time for us, the unsung heroines of multitasking, to prioritize ourselves and navigate the tightrope of life with those metaphorical roller skates, boldly declaring in 2024, “It’s time for me to show up for myself.”

Because our stories matter, we deserve to be the leading ladies and directors taking charge of our productions and recognizing ourselves as an integral part of the equation.

Here’s to celebrating our strength in 2024 as we create our narratives to confidently take center stage. Cheers to also recognizing the remarkable and supportive men who stand alongside us every step of the way!

Happy New Year 2024 — May it be our best one yet! 🥂🍾🥂

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© 2023 Bette A. Ludwig: All rights reserved.