There are 4 vital questions to ask yourself as you reflect on the previous year and prepare yourself for the upcoming 2024. Get out the notes app on your phone, pick up your tablet, or like me, grab a pen and paper and start writing out as many responses as possible. Try and feel for the response, not solely relying on thinking. Bring awareness to your responses and try and dig deep. What comes up for you? I’m including a few of my own responses to give you some ideas. Getting into the regular practice of asking yourself these questions monthly, even weekly, will aid you in finding more peace and less stress.
Question 1 – What/who made you feel alive last year?
◦ Going on regular date nights with my amazing wife. From going out to the arcade to catching a movie and meal just spending time dedicated to having a little fun makes such a difference.
◦ In October 2023 I finally began the process of therapy. So I can begin to break down past barriers and finally get and feel better. Talking about my past trauma with a therapist has already begun to help.
◦ Picking up the camera and making weekly vlogs. Though we don’t exactly live very exciting lives at this point keeping a record and pressing record was a lot of fun. Time to get back to it! Check out our YouTube channel here https://www.youtube.com/@sunlightandlove/videos
◦ Running errands and getting out of the house to spend time with my wife. Any kind of alone time is always much appreciated.
◦ Making plans to travel because I can’t wait for our next vacation. In the meantime taking weekend getaways locally has been so much fun.
Question 2 – What am I proud of in 2023?
◦ Gaining 22 subscribers on YouTube and having the courage to just start posting.
◦ Successfully living in a pop-up camper for 6 months, proving it can be done when we start the building process of our home.
◦ Finding a therapist I vibe well with so I can start working on me and I can finally get better.
◦ Saving 10 grand in the last 6 months of year alone. Our dream of owning a home is that much closer to becoming a reality.
◦ Once again finding my passion for writing and reading.
Question 3 – What made me feel adverse last year?
◦ The negativity of others. Sometimes being around certain people can be a major drain on our sanity.
◦ Spending too much time at home. When you have fibromyalgia getting out can be made into a difficult ordeal, but whenever possible, it’s worth the effort.
◦ Not getting enough movement. Having chronic pain can make you forget the importance of getting in movement. Even if all you can manage is a few stretches get up and do them! In 2023 I suffered a majority of flare days, but I’m determined to continue changing that.
◦ Not nourishing my body in the right way. Losing the extra weight is a really important task because after building the house, having a child is next on the bucket list. As a fibro warrior, I am already going to have a high-risk pregnancy. The last thing I want is to have too much weight throwing in yet another hurtle.
◦ Setting goals but not following through with them. Setting the goal is the easy part but following through with so many daily challenges constantly put me on the losing end of the battle.
Question 4 – What can I do to support myself in 2024?
◦ Allowing myself the space to work out my trauma.
◦ Setting boundaries and having the courage to say no when I need to.
◦ Allowing myself to feel my emotions instead of running from them. With hard work, and a bit of luck, this will be a transformative year for me where I can become the person I truly am.
◦ Making time and effort for daily self-care. Enjoying a hot cup of tea each morning, meditating with crystals, going out for a walk in nature, reading a book, etc.
◦ Listen to my body when I am flaring especially in regard to resting when necessary. I can’t keep pushing myself to the extent I have been day after day. It’s time to finally listen to what my body needs.
◦ Staying warm, cozy, and prioritizing comfort.
◦ Look into a mirror and tell myself “I love you,” Every single day. Self-worth, self-love, and self-compassion are all things I want to incorporate into my soul in this upcoming year. I’ve spent my entire life without these crucial concepts and I’m ready for that to change.
I encourage you to ask yourself these 4 questions and search deep for the answers. These questions and awareness just may make a world’s difference as you navigate 2024.