Hello from the end of 2023.
Two days ago, I decided to go for a walk in my neighborhood. Within 5 minutes, I had tripped on the sidewalk and fallen on my face. Nothing is broken (thank the Lord!), but I have two stitches in my chin, and my forehead and the top of my head are numb due to nerve damage above my eye. What a cool way to end a year.
I’ve been hesitant to write a list of goals for the new year just because there’s really only one goal on my mind right now (I’ll get to that). But I like looking back on my goals from previous years, so I’m doing this for my future self.
The disruption and heartache of the pandemic, paired with frequent moves over the past 5 years, have sobered my enthusiasm about planning the future.
I am desperate for a bit of constancy, for the chance to be grounded somewhere again. But I know that life will continue to be a series of changes and transitions. How do I rebuild the muscle that endures and delights in new experiences?
5 Goals for 2024
1 | Get a new job.
As I’ve mentioned, my contract is up in June and I need to get a new job before then. I’m in the thick of the search and interview process and hope I’ll have some news in the next couple months. I’m being as discerning as possible, hopeful that I’ll find a match that speaks to my experience, challenges me in good ways, and will be fulfilling vocationally.
This is my first and most important goal for the new year. It will be difficult to establish any routines or work toward other goals without getting past this first one. Please pray for me!
2 | Keep reading for fun.
I don’t believe in setting reading goals, mostly because it’s easy to read a lot of books just to hit the number. But I did rediscover a love for fiction this year and I want to continue to make it a priority in the new year.
The game changer for me was getting a library card and downloading the Libby app. Now I can check out digital books and audio books and easily read them on my Kindle or phone. When I’m in a waiting room or settling down for the evening, I can easily pick up where I left off instead of using social media.
3 | Spend more time outdoors.
I have been desperate for time spent in nature ever since we moved to over-developed Houston.
In 2024, I want to go on a hike, take lots of walks, and maybe go kayaking. I want to take advantage of outdoor seating and just feel, smell, observe, and listen to the world.
4 | Take up jogging.
This past year, I started going to Bollywood dance fitness classes, but I couldn’t always get there on a regular basis. What I could do was strap on a pair of sneakers and go for a little jog around the neighborhood.
I’m not particularly dedicated to any fitness goal, but I would like to make walk-jogging more a part of my life in the coming year. It feels empowering to know my body can sustain movement. And it gives me more energy, in contrast to my job, which requires a lot of sitting in an office.
5 | Cherish friendships and relationships.
During my first year and a half of ministry, I think I’ve done a decent job of paying attention to parishioners’ need, enthusiastically saying “yes” to learning opportunities, and managing my workload. But I have not been as attentive or, quite frankly, grateful as I should be to my non-work relationships.
The last year has made me more aware of the fact that it’s easy for me to think I have no friends when, really, I’m just not prioritizing spending time with friends and family. In 2024, I want to unapologetically prioritize my relationships, not only for my own mental health, but so I can show love and attention to the people without whom I couldn’t manage my hectic life.
If I were to add a few more stretch goals, they would be: join a community choir, shop at least 50% secondhand, and cook more. We’ll see what happens!
Do you have any goals for the new year?
