PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT | INSPIRATION | NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

What Do You Want to Do Even More of in 2024?

It’s the list of all lists

Julia A. Keirns first asked after reading a story written by Randy Pulley. After reading her list, I felt antsy. My New Year’s resolution to write daily prompts in 2023 was nearing an end. It was time to take stock of my life.

So, I got into what I hope will become the newest Medium craze and asked myself:

What do I want to do even more of in 2024?

1. Walking
2. Spending time with the grandkids
3. Preparing tastier meals
4. Intermittent fasting/drinking more water
5. Write engaging children’s picture books
6. Read
7. Declutter
8. Improve my writing skills on Medium
9. Meditate
10. Save money
11. Random Acts of Kindness
12. Show Ed that I love him

Preparing my list came quickly. In 2024, I crave to improve my physical and mental health and writing capacity, to nurture my romantic relationship with my husband, Ed, and to focus on making a positive impression on everyone I meet.

These are admirable wants and highly achievable.

But since opposites attract. I couldn’t let this list stand alone without considering its counterpart.

So, what do I want to do even less of in 2024?

1. Worry
2. Look at things through a negative lens
3. Sweat the small stuff
4. Avoid the things I fear
5. Self-doubt
6. Suffer writer’s block
7. Wear baggy clothes
8. Compare myself to others
9. Complain
10. Rely on my kids for electronic support
11. Consume too much caffeine
12. Buy things at regular price

Writing a list of things you want to see less of was challenging. It begged for increased introspection and a willingness to recognize my faults. Much of the wants in this list surround my wish for change — to switch from living in lower emotional states, like fear and dread, and to focus on living life in higher states, like gratitude, love, and calm.

Except for #10. My children keep reminding me to watch YouTube when unsure of how to do something. I need to remember. Sometimes, I wish we could go back to the pre-technological age. Back to a simpler life, when pen met paper and people talked with each other, learning about things we didn’t yet know.

But if that were so, I wouldn’t have found Medium and the writers who inspire, teach, and entertain and have provided much camaraderie and support.

In summation, “What do I want to do even more of in 2024?”

I want to live life to the fullest and be the best version of myself daily. It’s a tall order to ask, but I have a year to succeed in my mission.

Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year to everyone!

Let’s keep this challenge going. What’s on your list?

Here are Julia’s and Randy’s articles, which inspired this hot new trend.

Speaking of putting pen to paper, have you read my contest entry for Hope, Healing, and Humour about a conversation with desk items? Reading and leaving a comment will help with the vote (deadline, December 27th).

If you’re looking for this month’s prompts, The Challenged’s got you covered.

Here are the participants and supporters of the pub’s challenges and stories. Please show their stories some love. (Please let me know if you want your name removed from or added to the list. Either is easy to do, per your request. All you need to do is ask in the comments or a note.)

Adrienne Beaumont, NancyO, Randy Pulley, Harry Hogg, Susie Winfield, Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, Trisha Faye, Bernie Pullen, Michelle Jimerson Morris, Paula Shablo, Brandon Ellrich, Ravyne Hawke, Pat Romito LaPointe, Karen Hoffman, Vincent Pisano, Michael Rhodes, Bruce Coulter, Rachella Angel Page, Pluto Wolnosci 🟣, Lisa Guard, Dixie Dodd, Adrian CDTPPW, Leigh-Anne Dennison, barry robinson, Jerry Dwyer, Jennifer Dunne, Lynn L. Alexander, Keeley Schroder, Julia A. Keirns, Ruby Noir 😈, Emma Vincent, Frances A. Chiu, John Welford, Misty Rae, Patricia Timmermans