Good day from the finish of 2023.
Two days in the past, I made a decision to go for a stroll in my neighborhood. Inside 5 minutes, I had tripped on the sidewalk and fallen on my face. Nothing is damaged (thank the Lord!), however I’ve two stitches in my chin, and my brow and the highest of my head are numb on account of nerve harm above my eye. What a cool technique to finish a 12 months.
I’ve been hesitant to write down an inventory of targets for the brand new 12 months simply because there’s actually just one purpose on my thoughts proper now (I’ll get to that). However I like trying again on my targets from earlier years, so I’m doing this for my future self.
The disruption and heartache of the pandemic, paired with frequent strikes over the previous 5 years, have sobered my enthusiasm about planning the longer term.
I’m determined for a little bit of fidelity, for the possibility to be grounded someplace once more. However I do know that life will proceed to be a sequence of adjustments and transitions. How do I rebuild the muscle that endures and delights in new experiences?
5 Objectives for 2024
1 | Get a brand new job.
As I’ve talked about, my contract is up in June and I must get a brand new job earlier than then. I’m within the thick of the search and interview course of and hope I’ll have some information within the subsequent couple months. I’m being as discerning as attainable, hopeful that I’ll discover a match that speaks to my expertise, challenges me in good methods, and can be fulfilling vocationally.
That is my first and most necessary purpose for the brand new 12 months. It is going to be troublesome to determine any routines or work towards different targets with out getting previous this primary one. Please pray for me!
2 | Maintain studying for enjoyable.
I don’t imagine in setting studying targets, principally as a result of it’s simple to learn a whole lot of books simply to hit the quantity. However I did rediscover a love for fiction this 12 months and I wish to proceed to make it a precedence within the new 12 months.
The sport changer for me was getting a library card and downloading the Libby app. Now I can try digital books and audio books and simply learn them on my Kindle or telephone. After I’m in a ready room or settling down for the night, I can simply decide up the place I left off as an alternative of utilizing social media.
3 | Spend extra time outdoor.
I’ve been determined for time spent in nature ever since we moved to over-developed Houston.
In 2024, I wish to go on a hike, take a number of walks, and perhaps go kayaking. I wish to benefit from out of doors seating and simply really feel, odor, observe, and hearken to the world.
4 | Take up jogging.
This previous 12 months, I began going to Bollywood dance health lessons, however I couldn’t all the time get there regularly. What I may do was strap on a pair of sneakers and go for a bit jog across the neighborhood.
I’m not significantly devoted to any health purpose, however I want to make walk-jogging extra part of my life within the coming 12 months. It feels empowering to know my physique can maintain motion. And it provides me extra vitality, in distinction to my job, which requires a whole lot of sitting in an workplace.
5 | Cherish friendships and relationships.
Throughout my first 12 months and a half of ministry, I feel I’ve accomplished a good job of being attentive to parishioners’ want, enthusiastically saying “sure” to studying alternatives, and managing my workload. However I’ve not been as attentive or, fairly frankly, grateful as I ought to be to my non-work relationships.
The final 12 months has made me extra conscious of the truth that it’s simple for me to suppose I’ve no pals when, actually, I’m simply not prioritizing spending time with family and friends. In 2024, I wish to unapologetically prioritize my relationships, not just for my very own psychological well being, however so I can present love and a focus to the individuals with out whom I couldn’t handle my hectic life.
If I had been so as to add a couple of extra stretch targets, they’d be: be a part of a neighborhood choir, store at the very least 50% secondhand, and prepare dinner extra. We’ll see what occurs!
Do you may have any targets for the brand new 12 months?
