Embracing a Good Life: Reflecting on 2023 and Setting Intentional Goals for 2024

A new year always brings the promise of a fresh start, a renewed energy that things can improve or change meaningfully. This year is no exception. The past few days have been a delicate balance between exhaustion and excitement—fatigue from sleep deprived nights with small children, yet anticipation for what 2024 holds. This year feels unique, possibly due to the weariness, a sensation I'm not accustomed to. Consequently, my reflections carry a different tone.

Reviewing my 2023 goals, some now seem laughable. I aimed for audacious business, personal, and health goals (like running a half marathon and meditating for 10 minutes daily—who did I think I would be?!). On the flip side, there are achievements I'm immensely proud of, such as launching two group coaching programs and publishing 63 blog posts, both in this newsletter and on the website. My most significant accomplishment, in my humble opinion, was welcoming our second child in March. Not only did I get to grow and birth this incredible human, but I also have had the privilege of spending the first nine months of his life bonding with him.

Reflecting on my 2023 goals, I realize that some did not align with enhancing the aspects of my life that truly matter. Instead, they felt as though they could have belonged to someone else entirely.

As I set goals for 2024, I am doing so with a new perspective: what goals contribute to a good life? Similar to budgeting, there are extraneous things that might seem like they enhance our lives, but at its core, a good life is rooted in safety, healthy relationships, being well-nourished, and feeling joy and contentment.

New Year goals, while exciting, often masquerade as golden tickets to the good life. However, it seems to me that the essence of a good life lies in mundane, consistent practices. It involves finding intention and gratitude in daily moments, where, if we pay attention, we can experience the same excitement that accompanies New Year energy.

Here's to wishing you a good life, and a prosperous and intentional New Year.