Usually around October, I start thinking about the upcoming year. Maybe because I find myself wanting to just skim the surface of the rest of the “-ber” holidays and begin the new year. This year I chose the word Leap, for obvious and not so obvious reasons.
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I struggle with resolutions for the new year, because resolutions are too rigid. I’m a lot like most people – I have good intentions that stick for two to three weeks, and then I mess up, so I give up. The cool thing about choosing a word of the year is because it brings into focus what I want to accomplish or want to work on without the “rules” of a resolution. I think of it as somewhat of a mental mentor throughout the year. And this year the word is Leap.
Why Leap?
Well, 2024 is a leap year, so I thought I’d have some fun with it, and turn it into an acronym. It’s not for my love of frogs…at all. The words I chose to represent each letter are lighten, elevate, accomplish, and propel.
L is for lighten
There are several things I’d light to lighten. I like to lighten the clutter I’ve accumulated, lighten the frump on my body, and adjust my sleep habits to spend a few more hours in the light, rather than the dark.
E is for elevate
Elevate, boost, hoist, lift, raise, to move from a lower to a higher place or position. Everyone could use some elevation in their life. Wouldn’t it be great if our society was one where people practiced more elevating and less lowering? Perhaps we’d see a drop in antidepressant use if that were the case. I’d like to focus on elevating people more in 2024. Whether it’s complimenting a stranger, better at encouraging family and friends, even being generous with the likes on social media, it all counts, and makes others feel good. The natural way.
A is for accomplish
I am usually busy, but I can’t say that I accomplish much. There are so many things that are undone that shouldn’t be. “To complete successfully” is what I’m aiming for. I’m really hoping I can pick up some practical new practices from A Year of Living Productively. I’ve had this book for years, and have decided that it will be my first read of the year.
P is for propel
To bring this idea of L.E.A.P. full circle, the last letter stands for propel. Just like those slimy little tree frogs propel themselves into my house whenever I open the door at night, I would love to propel in my secondary work, which is this blog, and PaperPie. I’ve been doing both of those for a while now as a hobby, but it’s time to propel both of them to a higher level. Now that this is my last year of homeschooling, many people ask me what I’m going to be doing when I’m done. This IS what I plan to be doing. Blogging and book peddling, and of course taking care of our home. I find them all to be the most fulfilling careers I’ll ever have….although I would consider a being a campground clerk and event coordinator in my spare time!
Do you make any goals, words, or resolutions at the start of a new year? If so, I’d love to hear about them. Best wishes to you in 2024!
