Last year was a year all about celebration and enjoying the moment. It was our wedding year, so it was full of events I wanted to be 100% present for. I could have never asked for or imagined how incredible the year would be. From my Paris bachelorette to the most epic rainy wedding, I’m so grateful for every moment. Jon and I ended the year on an epic honeymoon to Singapore and Bali, which I’ll be sharing soon. But that officially marks the end of my bridal era and the start of 2024.
Planning a wedding is no joke, especially in another country. I’m so proud of myself for pulling it off and for managing to be present through all the events of the year. But I did let some things fall by the wayside while my focus was on the wedding. Now that everything has wrapped up, I’m ready to pick those things back up. Which leads me to my focus for this year.
My 2024 word of the year is FORWARD.
Jon and I spent some time discussing our focus for this year when we returned from our honeymoon. I wanted my 2024 word of the year to capture the sense of action I’m hoping to embody this year. But I also didn’t want my year to be only about action. My goal is to be very intentional with my actions and ensuring what I focus on helps to move me and my family FORWARD in life. Some areas I’m hoping to move forward are:
My mental health – The last two years have been a journey between adjusting to repatriation (I still miss AMS every day) and a job that took a toll on my mental health. This year I’ll prioritize moving forward with my mental health
My physical health – Including everything from proactive doctor’s visits to workouts to eliminating more toxins from my life
My financial health – This year is about saving for the future instead of spending on the now
My blog – I haven’t really prioritized blogging since we moved back to the US, and I’ve missed it! It brings me joy and creative freedom, so I will be taking steps to move it forward in 2024
My career – I made a big career switch from account management to strategy last year, right as all the wedding things were kicking off. Last year was about getting my footing, and this year I’m ready to take steps to move forward in my new career
My style – With the end of my bridal-era, comes the freedom to indulge in other colors and styles. Even though white is my favorite and will still play a major role in my wardrobe, I’m looking forward to experimenting with my statement looks this year
My home – There are some areas of our apartment that we never fully finished. I’ve been in full nesting mode since the wedding and looking to make our home as cozy as possible
General life things – You know all those small-ish things that just kind of creep up in life? I used the wedding as an excuse to put them off last year, so this year I’ll be tackling them
In the past, I’ve always written very specific goals for the year. Last year, I was so overwhelmed that I did no goal or intention setting. This year, choosing a word for the year felt more manageable. Having a North Star for all my choices really simplifies things. I’m ready to focus on my 2024 word of the year and see where it takes me.
Jon and I are going to be doing a 2024 planning meeting in the next few weeks to sit down and look at the rest of the year. I’m excited to take this time to plan for our future. Even though we’ve been together for more than 10 years, being married feels like a new chapter. I can’t wait to see where this life takes us and what 2024 has in store.
Are you choosing a word for 2024? I’d love to know what yours is so we can keep each other accountable!
Xx, Kelsey
