Initially of each new yr, I discover myself caught between two opposing approaches. On the one hand, I desire a big lofty goal for the months forward that I can dedicate all my focus to. And on the opposite, I simply need to maintain issues easy—setting my sights on doing and being higher. However this yr, I made a decision to decide on a phrase to information me in my decision-making and progress throughout the board: braveness. Why braveness? Effectively, candidly, I felt like I lacked a little bit of it in 2023. I spent extra time second-guessing myself than going for it. And I let the noise in my head take over greater than traditional. Belief me: that’s not my go-to habits.
With braveness on the forefront, this additionally acquired me excited to discover extra newness this yr. For me, the novelty of attempting one thing new all the time results in a lift in serotonin, a spark of curiosity, and a newfound pleasure and appreciation for being a newbie. Plus, I all the time go away an expertise seeing the world just a bit in another way.
Featured picture from our interview with Mary Ralph Bradley.
I hope that with a little bit of braveness, and by opening my coronary heart and thoughts to new issues, I may also inject extra enjoyable and play into my life.
6 Methods I’m Embracing Extra Braveness in 2024
Once I considered the why behind all that I need to invite into my life this yr, I leaned into what I felt could be lacking. This ensured that the experiences I selected to prioritize felt additive and exploratory. A couple of issues that got here to thoughts:
- feeling extra linked to my group
- shifting my physique differently
- disconnecting from my cellphone to reconnect with one thing else
However above all, I wished to get out of the day-to-day rut I’ve been feeling. The one requirement? These needed to be enjoyable and solely for myself—not social media or anybody else. Right here’s what attempting new issues in 2024 seems to be like for me.
Asking for What I Need
This can be a arduous one to confess, however I struggled right here in 2023. And fairly frankly, that shocked me. Final yr I reverted to previous people-pleasing behaviors and one complete yr later, I’ve the readability on how that each held me again and compelled me into taking part in small.
This yr, I’m going for it. I’ve already began to. Asking for what I want in all facets of life and placing myself on the market for progress. I’m totally conscious which will include rejection, however I really consider the implications of not asking are far riskier than any rejection may ever be.
Apply this in no matter approach it aligns for you. It might be asking for a increase, pivoting careers, asking somebody on a date, or declaring your wants proudly. Perhaps it’s saying no to one thing or somebody even when it’s arduous, or saying sure to one thing even should you’re scared. I do know you’ll be so grateful you probably did.
Writing Poetry
I used to be struck by a submit I noticed on Instagram by a author who stated that firstly of 2023, they made it a apply to put in writing a poem daily. It was a fantastic objective, and I instantly started researching how I may do the identical myself. That is one new factor that I’ve already begun, and whereas I haven’t hit that day by day cadence, I’m averaging a poem each different day. It’s been a enjoyable apply to share my ideas in a very new format. I’ve written all the things from a brief rhyme to a haiku, and am even exploring humorous, lighter tones in addition to the extra melancholy and private. It’s helped me see the world slightly in another way and broaden my very own vocabulary.
I haven’t shared a poem with anybody but, and I’m undecided that I’ll. I really like that that is one thing that’s only for me. Not less than for now.
Pole Dancing
Ever since I noticed Dita Von Teese’s burlesque present on the Paramount Theater in Austin final January, I’ve been so enamored by the female and attractive methods she and her troupe moved their our bodies. What drew me to pole dancing is its issue—it’s a complete core and higher physique exercise, very similar to aerial silks might be. But it surely’s additionally edgy, female, attractive, and for probably the most half (for my functions), one thing accomplished solo.
I’ve advised at the very least seven mates that I’m doing this they usually all responded with the identical Are you critical? Is that this a joke? After which all seven of them promptly requested if they might be a part of me. I believe I’m onto one thing.
I’m impressed by girls who aren’t afraid to attach with their our bodies in new methods and who bravely lean into feeling attractive and female—even when only for themselves.
Making an attempt a New Exercise Every Week in January
Talking of being in a rut, my exercise routine wants a whole refresh. Whereas I really like the exercises I’m presently doing—usually a morning stroll across the lake and a bootcamp-style class, I spotted my worry of failure is presently conserving me from exploring new types of motion. However reasonably than staying caught in that cycle, I’m springing out of it and making it my mission to maneuver out of any funk or rut.
Plus, if I need to join with the group in a brand new approach after years of working remotely and feeling a bit caught inside my place, that is the PERFECT approach to be round individuals as soon as once more.
I’m shifting from What if I hate it or embarrass myself? to What if I find it irresistible and discover a new approach to construct energy?
I might like to say that I received’t purchase something for a month or that I’m going to solely store my closet, however I do know these sweeping declarations will possible set me up for failure. Nonetheless, I really need to shift my shopper habits to being extra accountable each financially and for the surroundings. My method: default to second-hand procuring. Austin is dwelling to some extremely curated consignment retailers (taking a look at you, MOSS), and reasonably than go to the 5 rotating web sites I all the time search, I’m turning to a few of my favourite consignment retailers or mates’ closets.
Constructing a Imaginative and prescient Board
If Camille, she’s hosted imaginative and prescient board workshops and designed an at-home kit to construct your individual. I’ve been a naysayer for years questioning how photographs on a bit of paper may truly come to life, however after sufficient mates have preached the ability of a board, I’m lastly coming round.
There are a couple of particular issues I need to occur this yr that I’m acutely targeted on. My true hope is that by shifting my outlook and placing constructive vitality into these intentions, that I might help carry them to fruition. I additionally really feel like at this level, it definitely can’t harm my probabilities.
So, what’s in your listing of recent issues to strive in 2024? Is there something you’re leaning into this yr that you just’ve by no means tried? I can’t wait to re-read this text in December and see what’s transpired. I’m excited simply eager about the chance.
