More and more I’m realizing that I’m not bound by the past, and that I can actively choose to reinvent myself whenever the heck I want! Now is as good a time as ever.
On that note, these are some things I’m looking forward to embracing in the new year. 🙂
1. Starting a new job
It’s been a while since I’ve had one with a predictable pay period! I’m really looking forward to a steady paycheck and set hours.
That might sound boring, I know, but I’m at a place where job stability sounds really freakin’ amazing. It’s a relief to no longer carry that mental weight, and slowly but surely, I’m starting to feel a little stronger every day.
2. Changing my fitness routine
I’ve worked out by myself in my bedroom every day with a fitness video on YouTube for almost three years thanks to the pandemic.
Something happened last summer, though. It was like a switch flipped, and I just couldn’t find the motivation to do it anymore.
Yes, exercising alone by yourself at the crack of dawn is great for convenience and for saving money (no gym fees, yay), but now the last thing I want to do is work out in front of a screen by myself.
I’ve made the decision to find and join a gym in the new year, ideally one with childcare, so I can take Connor with me while I work out, and once I’ve got a better handle on my job schedule, I’m taking ALL THE CLASSES, especially ones that are new to me. Zumba, weight lifting, yoga, you name it. As long as it gets me moving, I’m there.
3. Embracing a new daily routine
Soon I’ll have to shift my daily schedule to accommodate the new routine, and even the seemingly small things, like making Connor’s lunch at night before we go to bed rather than doing it in the morning before she goes to school, will change.
Am I low-key freaking out about how and when I’m going to find time to write? And how am I going to handle caring for Connor when school’s out in the summer? Oh my gosh, YES.
But I know that families eventually figure it out, and we will too.
4. Building a new wardrobe
It’s going to be soooo different having to dress myself properly to go out in the world because honestly, after Connor was born, I got used to having dried baby food stains on everything and not being bothered at all by the occasional hole in my pants or shirt. LOL!
I used to love fun and outrageous fashion when I was in my teens, 20s and 30s, but now, rather than push boundaries or stand out, I just want to look polished and coordinated and have NO HOLES in anything, ha ha ha. Dare I say it’s been fun shopping for things like work pants again?
5. Evolving my writing goals
They’re going to be different now that I’m not following a copywriting path as closely as I have been for the past few years. Something in my writing feels like it’s evolving, for sure, and in good way. To be able to write just because I want to, not because my livelihood depends on it, is a big mental shift. In many ways it’s very freeing. I dunno how to explain it, but the shift has made me feel lighter. Happier.
What are you looking forward to in 2024?
Anyway, thinking of you today on this rainy Thursday in Nor Cal. Hope things are well and that you’re healthy; everyone around me seems to be getting something!
Today I’m going to take Connor ice skating at an indoor rink if she wants. Or, we might just stay in, read books, bake cookies and have a dance party in her room. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
A few years ago, you mentioned wanting to write a YA novel. I hope you’re still considering that project; I think your writing voice would be perfect for it. Congratulations on the new job!
You will love Zumba – it’s really fun!
I’m looking forward to doing more online talks and fingers crossed, joining an exciting new sewing group.
And getting a new kitchen – work starts January 3rd and it’s going to be a bumpy ride…
I’m so happy for you with the new job; I got the sense that freelancing wasn’t going the way you hoped.
As for finding daycare or a sitter for Connor, start now!! It gets harder to find care as kids age up. Oldest Niece did a daycare program in her senior year so that she could work in one while she goes to nursing school. She says they don’t like to take school-aged kids because there’s higher liability, it disrupts the little ones’ regular schedule, and it costs them money by filling their open spots with part-time kids when those places could go to full-time kids.
Oldest Niece also says to talk to the other moms, dads, etc. of kids her age that you know. That’s your best resource for info on what’s available in your area.😊
Sounds like your life is evolving in only the best ways. I understand writing because you want to and not for a deadline. I wrote 7 books in 8 years – all best sellers (5 were at #1 in several countries). Lots of book tours and madness. (and no you won’t find me with my blogging name, I don’t promote on other peoples pages). But it took ALL the fun out of it. I’m taking a break (I donate all the sales to animal rescue so it’s not my source of income). and just writing because I feel like it. Feels good.
Hi Karen,
Sometimes working at a college gives you free or low cost access to their gym facilities, so you might want to check that out before you pay to join another gym.
Wow! Such good changes for you in store for 2024! I’m excited for you!
Congratulations on your new goals! You’re on your way. Can’t wait to hear about the new job and other changes – all for the good!
I finally thought of something – there’s going to be a total solar eclipse in my part of the country. That has never happened in my life, that I wouldn’t have to travel an enormous distance to see a total solar eclipse. Hoping against hope it doesn’t rain⛈ on that day. It will be the early part of Spring, after all. They say the hotels in this area are already 93% booked for that day, when normally they’re only 3% booked (this is not a vacation-zone part of the country).
Congratulations Karen! I’m so happy for you and your new beginnings 🙂 I hope you love working for the college—I work for a socal community college and I love it! It’s a great atmosphere. I also look forward to reading about your gym adventures! I started Pilates about six months ago and have been really enjoying challenging myself.
I’ve been reading your blog regularly for like ten years now! Thanks so much letting me follow along your journey 🙂 I wish you the absolute best in the new year!
Hi Morgan,
Ooh, what kind of pilates do you do? Do you take a class with a reformer? I really want to try it because it’s low impact, but all the classes up here are very expensive.
Thank you for reading the blog. 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful 2024!