“Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.” — St. Francis de Sales
On the fourth day of Christmas, we’re talking goals! I’ve never been more excited to say goodbye to one year and welcome in the next.
MY ONE LITTLE WORD FOR 2024
I can barely believe it, but this is my twelfth time choosing one little word for the new year. (Previous words include Intention, Brave, Thrive, Learn, Slow, Roots, Notice, Gratitude, Light, Simple and Endurance.) I love this practice and the way you can see the trajectory of my growth as a woman/wife/mother. Anyway, for 2024, I decided to go with abundant.
abundant | [adj] // [uh–buhn-duhnt]
present in great quantity; more than adequate; oversufficient; well supplied with something; abounding
When I initially started brainstorming this word, I saw a lot of affirmation-type thinking. My goal is not to manifest prosperity or wealth, but to change my attitude into one of gratitude. We live in one of the most prosperous countries in the world. We have never known homelessness or hunger. We have so much! Instead of focusing on hardships and financial challenges, I’m seeking a mindset change toward the good. Really excited to see how this will affect me in body, mind and spirit this year.
A FEW GOALS FOR 2024
+ “She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.” (Proverbs 31:25)
+ Focus on frugality. // Let’s bring frugality back in style! It’s not something to be ashamed of! Using what we have wisely used to be considered a strength and I want to return to that thinking. We have big financial goals and this mentality will help us achieve them.
+ Ramp up production on the farm. // We’ve spent the past few years intensely focused on infrastructure and I think this will be the year when we start to cruise. We hope to increase our meat bird production and diversify our farm offerings. (Maybe even dabble in flowers!)
+ Read a lot of non-fiction. // So many books and not enough time! I want to create a “Mother Academia” program of study and work through the books. I’m sure there will be lots of random rabbit trails along the way too.
+ Create beautiful things. // My soul truly feels alive when I’m being creative. I want to remember that, even during the busy times.
+ Learn to play the piano. // My parents recently brought over my childhood piano and it’s already seen a lot of use. I haven’t played since elementary school, but I’m going back! Super excited about this one.
+ Go on a family vacation. // It’s been over seven years since we’ve gone on a summer vacation! The years have gone by quickly: we were “gazelle intense” on Dave Ramsey’s baby steps, COVID happened, and then we started the farm. This is my oldest son’s last year at home so we really want to make this happen.
I love your word of the year. And the plan for a family vacation! How fun to plan & look forward to.
My word for the year is “pause”… Parenting teenagers has been hard on my nervous system. I want to remember to pause before responding to them (as opposed to reacting).
I also think that “pausing” will be useful when I see beautiful things (to take a moment to enjoy them); when it comes to bedtime (taking the time to tuck everyone in and really be present); and when working with students (which starts in two weeks with student teaching). Pause will help me remember to be patient and to enjoy the moments I’m in (or at least think through them before they pass!).
LOVE the word pause! I’ll have to remember that one for future years, especially as these big kids get ready to head out on their own!