At the beginning of each new 12 months, I discover myself caught between two opposing approaches. On the one hand, I desire a large lofty aim for the months forward that I can dedicate all my focus to. And on the opposite, I simply wish to hold issues easy—setting my sights on doing and being higher. However this 12 months, 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 normal. Belief me: that’s not my go-to conduct.
With braveness on the forefront, this additionally acquired me excited to discover extra newness this 12 months. 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 otherwise.
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 wish to invite into my life this 12 months, I leaned into what I felt is perhaps lacking. This ensured that the experiences I selected to prioritize felt additive and exploratory. A number of issues that got here to thoughts:
- feeling extra linked to my neighborhood
- transferring my physique another way
- disconnecting from my telephone to reconnect with one thing else
However above all, I needed 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 appears like for me.
Asking for What I Need
It is a exhausting one to confess, however I struggled right here in 2023. And fairly frankly, that shocked me. Final 12 months I reverted to outdated people-pleasing behaviors and one entire 12 months later, I’ve the readability on how that each held me again and compelled me into enjoying small.
This 12 months, I’m going for it. I’ve already began to. Asking for what I want in all elements of life and placing myself on the market for progress. I’m absolutely conscious which will include rejection, however I really consider the implications of not asking are far riskier than any rejection may ever be.
Follow this in no matter manner it aligns for you. It might be asking for a increase, pivoting careers, asking somebody on a date, or declaring your wants proudly. Possibly it’s saying no to one thing or somebody even when it’s exhausting, or saying sure to one thing even when you’re scared. I do know you’ll be so grateful you probably did.
Writing Poetry
I used to be struck by a put up I noticed on Instagram by a author who mentioned that at the start of 2023, they made it a observe to put in writing a poem on daily basis. It was a stupendous aim, 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 each day cadence, I’m averaging a poem each different day. It’s been a enjoyable observe 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 a little bit otherwise and broaden my very own vocabulary.
I haven’t shared a poem with anybody but, and I’m undecided that I’ll. I like that that is one thing that’s only for me. At the very least 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 horny 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 could be. However it’s additionally edgy, female, horny, and for probably the most half (for my functions), one thing completed solo.
I’ve informed not less than seven buddies that I’m doing this and so they 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 part of me. I feel 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 horny and female—even when only for themselves.
Attempting a New Exercise Every Week in January
Talking of being in a rut, my exercise routine wants an entire refresh. Whereas I like the exercises I’m presently doing—sometimes a morning stroll across the lake and a bootcamp-style class, I noticed my concern of failure is presently preserving me from exploring new types of motion. However quite 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 wish to join with the neighborhood in a brand new manner after years of working remotely and feeling a bit caught inside my place, that is the PERFECT option to be round folks as soon as once more.
I’m shifting from What if I hate it or embarrass myself? to What if I adore it and discover a new option to construct power?
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 doubtless set me up for failure. Nevertheless, I really wish to shift my shopper conduct to being extra accountable each financially and for the atmosphere. My method: default to second-hand purchasing. Austin is residence to some extremely curated consignment retailers (taking a look at you, MOSS), and quite 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 buddies’ closets.
Constructing a Imaginative and prescient Board
If you understand Camille, you understand she’s hosted imaginative and prescient board workshops and designed an at-home package to construct your individual. I’ve been a naysayer for years questioning how photos on a bit of paper may truly come to life, however after sufficient buddies have preached the ability of a board, I’m lastly coming round.
There are just a few particular issues I wish to occur this 12 months that I’m acutely targeted on. My true hope is that by shifting my outlook and placing constructive vitality into these intentions, that I may help carry them to fruition. I additionally really feel like at this level, it actually can’t harm my possibilities.
So, what’s in your listing of latest issues to attempt in 2024? Is there something you’re leaning into this 12 months 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 fascinated by the likelihood.
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