Every Spring/Summer, around this time as we are approaching the halfway point of the year, I like to set aside a couple of hours to reflect on the past few months that have led me here (so far) and review the goals I had set for myself back at the end of December. It’s a fun little way to map my personal progress through now, but it also helps me to get back on track and refocus when it comes to the aspirations that maybe need a little more attention or a new strategy to reach completion before the end of the year.
The first half of 2024 has been busy, productive and prosperous in terms of both my finances and with my emotional/mental health. I’ve been working steadily and maintaining a workload and life balance that hasn’t left me feeling weighed down, overwhelmed, or stretched too thin- which was a common problem I experienced back when I had difficulty establishing clear boundaries within my office and with my respective teams. I wrote about how rewarding holding firm to those boundaries was when I performed my 2023 resolution check-in, and it’s only gotten better since then- including my receiving a raise/promotion and no longer worrying or obsessing about tasks, cases, or my calendar outside my scheduled working hours anymore! It’s so freeing!
And speaking of freeing. With my dearest Troy winning his defamation lawsuit this past March after an exhausting and draining five-year battle, so much of the long-held-and-carried residual stress that was weighing heavily on my shoulders throughout the process melted away in the days and weeks following the verdict being reached- and it feels like both he and I have been enjoying the small things and little moments more and more as time passes and the journey to healing continues. His recent visit during Memorial Day Weekend was filled with spontaneity and so much laughter without being interrupted or spoiled by meetings with Attorneys, legal paperwork, or the overall sense of despair that had plagued him for so long- and I’m so happy for him.
I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a significant part of these past few months in the consistent company of beloved friends and cherished family members at various gatherings, celebrations, or small get-togethers and visits, which is something I’m always so thankful for- especially as I get older- and with the warmer weather here to stay for the foreseeable future, I’m looking forward to more of those quality outings and parties here in picturesque New England and beyond. We’ve got big plans for the Summer of 2024, y’all- including beachside cottage rentals, boating adventures, and trips to the desert!
Which leads me into my 2024 resolutions. I had compiled a small set of goals for this year as we were winding down 2023 and I was getting ready to ring in the New Year in my beloved Boston. As a reminder, these were my aspirations:
- Scratch more places off my “Must Visit” travel list.
- Be kinder to and less critical of myself.
- Consider planting roots.
- Finish the little things I didn’t get to this year.
Most of my travel in 2024 so far has been limited to in and around New England, with occasional visits to New York State- but in the coming months ahead I’m excited and hopeful to expand my travel to Las Vegas, North Carolina, California, and Washington D.C. to visit friends/family. I’m also looking into an extended trip to New Orleans closer to the end of the year (post-hurricane season) and a possible road trip to Tennessee (post-tornado season) to see some historic and musical landmarks that have been on my “To Do” list for quite some time now!
I’ve saved up plenty of PTO at work and have the capability to work remotely from any location- so anything is possible!
And in terms of being kinder to myself, I’m happy to report I’ve found a lot of success with keeping this resolution. While I still haven’t lost my self-deprecating sense of humor (in moderation, of course), I’m much more forgiving of any errors I make or any embarrassing moments I find myself in. I don’t insult myself, and I certainly don’t dwell on anything the way I used to. I laugh much more about things, correct any errors to the best of my ability, and move on with my day and life- and it’s significantly improved my confidence as a result.
The only resolution I haven’t really put much thought or effort into at this time was my “consider planting roots” goal- although I only just renewed my lease for the 2024/2025 year. Having secured and maintained the roof over my head for another significant amount of time, I think that the second half of 2024 will be spent doing research into the housing markets in and around different parts of New England, and even beyond, to see what makes sense for me financially and travel-wise. Being close to my friends and family is important- but so is not bankrupting myself!
And like I said at the end of 2023, living the #VanLife is still pretty appealing and sustainable for someone like me!
Finally, when it came to “finishing the little things” I didn’t get to in 2023, I was quick to renew my passport this year, as well as reinstate a subscription to a language course I had started last year and sort of fell off with as my lessons progressed. I’m looking forward to spending more time practicing in the second half of 2024- and may even begin writing posts in Italian if I get good enough at it!
Just kidding, but I’m hopeful I can keep up with a conversation with it eventually!
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And that just about does it for my “2024 Resolutions Check-In!” I’ve made some great progress so far, but there’s still plenty of work to be done and I’m striving to reach my goals by the end of the year. I’m hopeful that reflecting on and writing this post will give me the little boost of motivation I need to see things through now that I can look back and be reminded of just how far I’ve come in just a few short months.
As always, I’m sending so much love and support to those of you out there who are also working towards the goals you set for yourself- be it for New Year’s or just for the day. I’m rooting for each and every one of you, and I hope the second half of 2024 is filled with success, rewards, positive changes and happiness for all of us!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 