Thriving in 2024: Unleashing My Goals for the Unknown Adventure Ahead

As the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024 came around, I found myself seriously contemplating not only the past year but also the past few years. 2024 has not gotten off to a fresh start. Moreso, this year has just been one frustrating happening after another testing my mental, emotional, and physical capacity.

Previously all my goals revolved around swimming or finishing school. Its exciting yet also very depressing to think about the future this year. This year its more about asking myself the questions of what will make me happy, what do I want out of life, what are my goals? Truth be told, the answer to all of those questions is I don't know. I do not know what I want to do with my life or career so I tried to frame my mind around what I can do to nurture a lifestyle I want and feels like me. After framing my mindset, I can up with a few "goals" for 2024.

Fitness Goal: My whole life has revolved around swimming and doing a variety of weight room exercises to improve my swimming; however, now without swimming this part of my life is confusing. I feel like I do not know how to frame goals. I know that physical activity and working out is important for longevity and general wellness, but I feel that it has become a chore, something I have to do, instead of something I get to do or want to do. So, in 2024, it is my goal to find a physical activity that I enjoy.

Nutrition Goal: I've always been someone who struggles with weight and anxiety around how my body looks. I've been around high level swimmers my whole life and I have always felt that I was the most plump. Yes, most of the time I have been strong, but I have always been that one without abs and with that extra layer of padding. I know that for a female that is normal and needed for healthy body functions; however, it is not always easy to accept. This year in 2024, my goal is to cut back on the emotional eating (one of my most prominent issues around food) and find a way to develop a healthy relationship with food.

Career Goal: Obviously, this year is the year I am to graduate with my master's degree and this graduation will halt my higher education career. Mentally I am drained with academia and classes and homework. A PhD is not completely off the table yet; however, I know that for my sanity I cannot go straight into the curriculum. This decision has brought around a new problem with a new set of questions: do I want an esteemed career? what do I want to do for a job/career? where do I start applying? what makes me happy? These questions I have no answer for so in 2024 my goal is to find a pathway/career/job that makes me happy and fulfilled.

Fun Goal: There is one thing I have always wanted to do and that is to visit every U.S. National Park at least once. I love the outdoors and nature and I want to travel to see and experience new things. This year I want to dedicate time and money to visiting at least six U.S. National Parks and write, film, and vlog my experiences as mementos and for later in life.

New goals, ideas, and lifestyle changes will no doubt enter in 2024; however, these are the basis of which I am forming this year. I am excited to see what can be accomplished and what this upcoming year throws my way. If you've got goals for 2024, hit us up! We're always excited to hearing how you are choosing to improve and enjoy your life!

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