As we stand at the threshold of the 2024 new year, it’s customary to ponder resolutions. At the (spry) age of 40, I've learned that I have many passions in life, which often get put on the back burner while I focus on the never-ending "grind" and hustle of work life. Since we've recently moved to one of my favorite soul-calming locations, I thought this next year should be more about focusing on more of what I truly enjoy. Traditionally, the focus tends to be on fixing perceived flaws, stopping bad habits, or adopting strict regimens to better yourself. But what if we shifted the paradigm this year? What if we made resolutions about embracing life's adventures, exploration, learning, and growth?

This year, my resolutions are not about fixing what's wrong but about enriching life with experiences and learning. Life, to me, is an adventure waiting to unfold—a canvas to paint with myriad experiences, flavors, stories, and lessons.

Adventures Beyond the Norm

Rather than dwelling on habits to quit or pounds to shed, my goals revolve around exploration, experiences, learning, and growth. As a lover of all things food-related, I've learned over the past few years that cooking, and learning to cook new recipes, can be an outlet for both creativity and to focus on something other than the daily stressors of work-life. As such, I'll aim to try my hand at cooking at least 50 new recipes and discovering the world through flavors and culinary experiments. (Husband beware, some odd new favorites may come of this!)

Learning and Growth

Growth isn’t confined to physical fitness; it transcends into mental and emotional fitness too. While I will aim to treat my body better in the new year, spending more time focusing on being healthy and as fit as I can at my age, I will also aim to enrich my mind. Listening to 10 professional and personal growth audiobooks and podcasts will allow me to learn from diverse perspectives and experiences, nurturing my mind with valuable insights. Alongside, I'm planning on diving into 25 new books, delving into tales that transport me to different worlds and mindsets.

Nature's Embrace

Spending more time in nature is a resolution close to my heart. There’s solace in the rustle of leaves, the vastness of landscapes, and the tranquility it brings. Having lost many loved ones over the past few years has been rather tough, but I've often found that spending time in nature helps me feel closer to them. Nature also offers lessons, serenity, and a chance to reconnect with the essence of life.

Exploring Local Gastronomy

Did I mention that I love food? Food can be a gateway to culture and stories and can build memories and great experiences. This year, since we've moved to a relatively new area, I'm aiming to explore 20 new restaurants, savoring not just the cuisines but the narratives woven into each dish and the history and ambiance of their locations.

Being Present

Lastly, being more present in life is a resolution that encapsulates mindfulness. It’s about relishing every moment, finding joy in the small things, and being fully engaged in the tapestry of experiences that life offers.

Embracing Life's Palette

Resolutions need not be restrictive; they can be expansive and liberating. Let’s shift the focus from fixing perceived flaws to embracing life’s diverse palette of adventures, learning, and growth.

Join the Adventure

This year, I invite you to join me on this journey of discovery and exploration. Let’s make 2024 a year not just of resolutions but of embracing the vibrancy of life, one adventure at a time!

What are your resolutions this year? Share them with us and let’s embark on this adventure together!