Photo by me, on one of my walks along the Willamette River Greenway last week.
I’m working on a 2024 wrap up and started by making a list of all the things I’ve tried, started, and accomplished these past twelve months. I am slightly impressed and somewhat overwhelmed by it all. I’ll share the full list in another post as I’m still soaking it all it and putting it into perspective.
Easing into a new year, that is my intention for now. I’ve been having some anxiety about life in general, not sure if it is the fact that I’m rolling into my last year of my 50’s, my aging father, the progression of my husband’s Huntington’s Disease, a long list of things I want to do, and the limited time of each day. The goals I want to set for 2025. Keeping them limited and do-able, but also dreaming big.
I’ve been working on eliminating things that are not either 1) bringing me joy, or 2) contributing to my goals. That can be difficult. I hate saying no to things that sound fun. But I know if I fill my time with those things I won’t have the time to do what is really fun and accomplishes the things I’ve set out to accomplish.
One of the things that has brought me immense joy in 2024 is spending time with good friends. This is the fun I want more of in my life. Experiences that create laughter, love, and memories. I am so grateful to have these people in my life.
One of the things I’ve spent time on in 2024 was daily writing, journaling, morning pages, whatever term might fit. Basically, getting up at 5 am* each morning, sitting with a cup of coffee, paper, and pen and just writing. Working out stories that I want to write, ideas that come to mind, clearing my brain to make space for the day ahead. That has been so helpful in staying somewhat focused and helping some of the anxiety.
The other big thing is that I have walked, almost everyday, an average of 5.7 miles every day over the past year. I try to do 6 miles but then of course there are days that are zero and then there are days that are 11, so it has all averaged out to nearly my goal. Staying healthy and strong is a top priority as I age alongside my husband. We have a lot of things left to do and I know I want to make my 59th year meaningful.
I’m easing out of 2024 and into 2025, creating the life I want, and sharing that joy with others.
*I’m currently reading the 5 AM Club and I am not really sure what I am reading. It isn’t what I thought it was, but I also can’t stop. It is interesting enough to keep me going. If you’ve read this book I’d love to hear your thoughts.
*The 5am club .. it was not at all what I expected and it is well written. I enjoyed the book while I was listening but after I absorbed the message of the book...I chose to put a pause on getting up at 5am. Is it my fear of what could possibly open up for me? And that success terrifies me? I wonder...