January comes in like a train at full speed begging us to jump on. If I’m being honest, I don’t have that in me. 2024 wasn’t a bad year. I think I’m just weary of the notion of achievement and striving. It’s not that I don’t like goals, believe me. But the idea of going into a new year, going into this new year, full throttle isn’t sitting right.

That’s why I’m doing something different. I’m not throwing my hands up and abandoning the idea of goals. Instead, I’m going in more thoughtfully. I’m walking into 2024 instead of leaping in. And it feels right.

The Steps I’m Taking in January (and All Year Long)

• Start by looking back: Notice the good and the hard moments in the year. Give permission to both celebrate and lament.
• Take inventory: Be honest about where you are. Identify the current state of things, resources, and feelings.
• Look ahead (but not too far): Consider where you want to go. Don’t worry about the big BIG picture. Instead, think about the places you’d like to explore in the weeks and months ahead. Approach this with openness.

The biggest thing I’m resisting? Overcomplicating things. Do the simple things that work for me. No shiny new planner required. I shared a simple version of why I’m doing this over on Instagram. It feels right.

A Simple Look at Yesterday (AKA 2024)

Home & Family:

• We took a family vacation to Niagra Falls and upstate New York and it was wonderful. I had been to the falls, but I wanted to give my kids that experience. It did not disappoint. (I wrote about it here)
• My son graduated high school and started college.
• My youngest got her license. I am grateful I don’t have to teach anyone else to drive!
• After a hard freshman year of college, my oldest is enjoying school much more this year.
• I had more day trips, dates, walks, and even a little getaway with my husband. They were all worth it.
• I feel the loss of my kids growing up. It is good and right, but it is still hard.
• We didn’t get any major projects done at home, but we went to the games and meets, celebrated, relaxed, and there is always next year.

Work:

• I published 135 reprint articles, 118 freelance and client articles, and Truth & Gratitude: Quick Devotions for Busy Moms. (Plus blog posts, social media posts, and emails to subscribers!)
• I FINALLY finished the first round of edits of my novel! SERIOUSLY! There is so much work to do. I think I might need to split it into two books. But I did it!
• I was honored to speak at 5 events this fall! (If you need a speaker for your church or event I am scheduling for 2025! Click here for more)
• I reached a huge milestone: over 10,000 email subscribers! This is important for so many reasons, including publishing opportunities. More importantly: I share encouragement, favorite things, and other life things with my monthly email list. (Get on the list!)
• Although I wanted to, I didn’t reach some of my goals for the year. I’m holding them with prayer.
• I got a walking pad and standing desk to use in 2025!

Personal & Faith:

• I read 25 books! And I enjoyed (almost) every single one. (See the full list)
• I intentionally walked, hiked, exercised, stretched 301 times. When I look at that number I’m shocked!
• Learning is always important for me. Working with a nutritional therapist has been helpful.
• Even with these things, I did not lose the weight I hoped to lose in 2024.
• I spent time in the Bible. I prayed. I worshiped. Not every day. I’m not even sure if it was most days. But I will not feel shame for days I didn’t do it.

Looking at Today and What’s Next

Starting with today is helpful. Sometimes we just need to look at exactly where we are, what resources we have, and how we feel in the present. Moving forward before doing this is what sets us up for failure. As I take time in January to assess where I am and where I’m going, I’d doing so intentionally. I’m taking it slow. No launching off the blocks for me. I’m walking into 2025.

Every year I take the month of January to look at where things are and where I’m going. Instead of trying to do it all in a day, I’m giving myself time and space to think, to pray, and to listen. (That last one is probably the most important even though I’m not great at it.)

As you walk through these early days of 2025, think about where you are and where you’re headed. Remember, life isn’t a race for achievement. Life is a long walk with Jesus. Enjoy the journey.