Thank You, 2024.
Instead of a New Year’s resolution for 2024, I picked a word for the year.
That word was romanticize.
Starting on January 1st of 2024 I woke up and romanticized the day. That particular day turned into weeks of beautiful romantic mundane moments of the everyday. I breathed in the solitude of reading, I grasped tightly to the idea of setting and maintaining boundaries, I remained committed to staying intentional and present with our kids, I set goals through fitness and Jon and I continued to date each other.
All of these little moments helped in romanticizing the overall picture of my days, months and the year. Our lives are our stories to create and those stories can be written how we see fit.
On a more detailed note…
I was steadfast with my reading and read more books than I ever have in a single year; 52 to be exact. It was romantic to sit in solitude and be taken away on adventures.
I signed up for a road race. I spent several summer mornings training (and thinking) and I’m proud to say that I ran 10 miles without stopping, albeit I ran like molasses toward the end, but I still did great with my chip time!
I focused on my relationship with my Mom. After losing my Dad in 2022, I had many regrets. I regretted not trying harder with him, although I will say that we had a great relationship, but we can always do better…be better. He was an amazing human and, at times, I was, well, sometimes I was a 20 or 30 something acting like a teenager. I’ve had to forgive myself for those moments. As a result, and a blessing, I’ve taken that particular lesson, changed my way of thinking and have since created some beautiful memories with my Mom. I can almost hear my Dad in my ear telling me how to go about my relationship with her… and I listen…and it’s been beautiful.
I placed, maintained and kept boundaries. By doing so, I was able to easily figure out who loves me unconditionally and those who strive to be a part of my life. There are those friends who have stayed close to me through my saddest of days. The ones I can open up to without feeling less of myself. I don’t usually have much to say about particular topics, but I know these lovely humans are in my corner if needed. For them, I am grateful.
Jon and I took our kids on adventures! I faced my fears of hiking, alongside grizzly bears, in the grandiose and majestic Rocky Mountains, and was rewarded with sights and lessons that I’ll hold close to my heart for all of my days. Seeing the horizon at sunrise over the mountains at Highline Trail in Glacier National Park told me a story before I even conquered the hike. It was one of the prettiest things I’ve ever seen…and to do it with my little family sure was magical.
There were adventures close to home, too, which were just as significant. I’ve learned that a good trail and dancing treetops can cure the moodiest of moods. Sometimes rainy days can also have that effect.
I’ve gained confidence in knowing who I am and what I want through this single year of romanticizing my life. I’ve gained more freedom and confidence and I continue to be inspired by the little ways I can romanticize my days.
As for 2025. I plan to be the best version of myself. So I plan to FLOURISH!
Cheers, friends to romance and being the best we can be! It’s time to FLOURISH! We can and we will!
Happy 2025!
Marie 🙂
I’m linking up with Momfessionals and The House on Silverado.
Love this post so much, Marie, and I’ve always loved you for your positivity. There is no doubt in my mind that you are going to FLOURISH this year and I am so excited to follow along!