Introduction

As we stand on the brink of a new year, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had and, more importantly, to set the stage for an even more empowering future. Embrace the opportunity to welcome your best self in 2024 by cultivating a mindset of growth, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to your health and well-being.

Reflect on 2023 Triumphs:

Let’s take a moment to celebrate the victories, both big and small, that marked your wellness journey in the past year. 

Whether you conquered a series of challenging workout, started a journaling practice, drank more water, started therapy, or improved your self-talk, these achievements lay the foundation for the inspiring path that lies ahead.

Grab your journal & let’s reflect together!

• What were your top 5 highlights of 2023? 
• Grab your phone and open the photos app and look at each month, write down the highlights of each month! Recall significant events, milestones, activities, and goals you achieved.
  • Take a breath. Breathe in gratitude for each of these highlights. Recall the joy and feelings and even sensations you experienced during these moments!
• What challenges did you survive? Or what did you struggle with in 2023? 
  • What goals were you not able to meet?
  • What contributed to not meeting those goals? Were they S.M.A.R.T.?
  • What can you change for 2024 to support your goals?
• What did you learn about yourself this year? What lessons did you learn?
• What are you going to STOP doing in 2024?
  • Health and wellness
  • Spirituality, mindset, purpose/dharma, and meaning
  • Fun and joy
  • Creativity
  • Love, relationships and friendship
• What are you going to CONTINUE doing in 2024?
• What are you going to START doing in 2024?

My inspiration and credit for this journal practice comes from the fabulous Mel Robbins! Do you want to go more in-depth on this journal practice? Click here to listen to Mel Robbins Podcast and download her FREE journal to “make 2024 your best year!”

The Art of Realistic Resolutions

In the quest for self-improvement, setting realistic goals is vital. Dive into the power of crafting realistic resolutions that align with your aspirations by checking out my blog post here. Here we explore the concept of SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—offering a blueprint for success that goes beyond the typical New Year’s resolutions.

It is also essential to establish a “reason why” when establishing S.M.A.R.T. goals. A “reason why” refers to the underlying intrinsic motivation or deeper purpose behind a goal or resolution. It is the driving force that inspires and gives meaning to your pursuit. Your “reason why” is the deeper connection to why a particular goal is important to you, providing the intrinsic motivation needed to stay committed and overcome challenges along the way. It often involves personal values, aspirations, or a vision for positive change, and it serves as a guiding principle throughout your journey of goal setting and achievement.

Strength Training for Long-Term Health

Welcoming your best self involves nurturing your physical strength and vitality. Delve into the transformative benefits of strength training, not just for achieving sculpted muscles, but for fostering long-term health benefits. I cannot stress the importance of regular strength training, so let me write out a short list of the benefits…

• Muscle Mass and Metabolism —
  • Increased Muscle Mass: Strength training helps build and maintain muscle mass, which is vital for overall strength and functionality.
  • Metabolic Boost: As muscles require more energy at rest than fat, an increase in muscle mass can boost your metabolism, aiding in weight management.
• Bone Health —
  • Improved Bone Density: Weight-bearing and resisted exercises, contribute to better bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
• Weight Management —
  •  **Caloric Expenditure: Strength training burns calories during and after the workout, supporting weight loss or weight maintenance when combined with a balanced diet.
• Chronic Disease Management —
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Strength training can enhance insulin sensitivity, helping manage or prevent type 2 diabetes.
  • Heart Health: Regular strength training contributes to improved cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Joint Health and Flexibility —
  • Joint Support: Strengthening the muscles around joints provides better support, reducing the risk of injury and improving overall joint health.
  • Flexibility: Strengthening the muscles can contribute to enhanced flexibility and range of motion, especially when combined with a mindful stretching routine.
• Mental Health —
  • Stress Reduction: Physical activity, including strength training, stimulates the release of endorphins, reducing stress and promoting a positive mood.
  • Cognitive Benefits: Some studies suggest that strength training may have cognitive benefits, including improved memory and cognitive function.
• Balance and Stability —
  • Fall Prevention: Strengthening core and lower body muscles enhances balance and stability, reducing the risk of falls, especially in older adults.
• Improved Sleep —
  • Quality Sleep: Regular exercise, including strength training, is linked to improved sleep quality and duration.
• Healthy Aging —
  • Maintaining Independence: Strength training is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and function as we age, contributing to independent living.
  • This is one of the main contributors to my “reason why” I stay physically active. The actions I take today allow me and my body to age with grace and maintain my independence and empowerment!

A well rounded fitness routine includes cardiovascular exercises and flexibility training to complement the benefits of strength training. If you need help starting your strength training routine let me help you! This is my life passion I love to help you fall in love with strengthening your body and mind!

Maintaining a Holistic Approach to Health:

True well-being extends beyond the gym. Explore the holistic components of health, including nutrition, quality sleep, and stress management. Recognize the interplay of these factors in optimizing your performance and vitality, ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach to life.

Click here to read about the “True Face of Health”.

Vision Boards & More!

Bring your 2024 vision to life with a vision board that captures your goals and aspirations. Additionally, consider journaling, tracking progress, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community to stay motivated on your wellness journey.

Making your 2024 vision board:

1. Choose your format, canvas or create online?
   • Canva is what I used to create my 2024 vision board, and after making I spent only $15 dollars to get it printed and delivered (for free) as a poster! I HIGHLY recommend using Canva.
2. Reflect on your goals (above!).
   • What do you want to achieve in the next year, five years, or even ten years? Take some time to brainstorm your BIG dreams and aspirations in different areas of your life, such as:
     • Personal: This could include goals related to your health, relationships, or self-growth.
     • Professional: Do you want to get a promotion, start your own business, or change careers? What does your dream job look like?
     • Financial: Are you saving up for a house, a dream vacation, or retirement?
     • Creative: Do you want to write a book, paint a masterpiece, or learn a new instrument, start a new hobby?
3. Gather your materials. You’ll need a large piece of cardboard or poster board, magazines, scissors, glue, and any other embellishments you like, such as paint, glitter, or stickers.
   • You can also create a digital vision board using Canva or another online platform. MY RECOMMENDATION!
4. Find images and words that resonate with you. As you flip through magazines or browse online like Pinterest, look for images that represent your goals.
   • For example, if you want to travel to Italy, find a picture of the place you want to visit, like the Colosseum. Words and quotes are also powerful additions to your vision board. Choose words that inspire and motivate you, such as “believe in your dreams,” “I attract what I want,” or “I am full of gratitude.”
5. Arrange your materials. Once you have gathered your images and words, start arranging them on your board. There’s no right or wrong way to do this, so just let your creativity flow. You can group your images by theme, or you can create a more random and eclectic collage.
6. Hang your vision board in a place where you’ll see it often. The more you look at your vision board, the more likely you are to achieve your goals. Hang it in your bedroom, your office, or any other place where you spend a lot of time.
7. Here are some additional tips for creating a powerful vision board:
   • Use high-quality images. Blurry or grainy images will not be as inspiring.
   • Focus on positive emotions. Choose images and words that make you feel happy, excited, and motivated.
   • Be specific. The more specific your goals are, the more likely you are to achieve them.
   • Take action. Your vision board is a roadmap, but it’s up to you to take the steps to make your dreams a reality.
   • Make a vision board BINGO! I did this and I place it right next to my vision board to make my dreams like a game. Whenever I accomplish a BINGO I will get myself a reward of my choosing!

Crafting Your Personalized Best Self in 2024

In the pursuit of crafting your personalized best self in 2024, envision a journey that transcends mere resolutions – a journey rooted in self-discovery and purposeful growth. 

This is your opportunity to delve into the essence of who you aspire to be and what truly matters to you. Embrace the power of reflection on your 2023 victories and challenges, using these insights to shape intentional goals for the upcoming year. 

Consider the holistic approach of nurturing not only your physical health through realistic and sustainable practices but also cultivating your mental and emotional well-being. Dive into the transformative realm of strength training, discovering the myriad benefits that extend beyond the physical realm to fortify your overall resilience. 

As you embark on this journey, craft a unique blueprint for your 2024 healthy self, incorporating vision boards and holistic wellness practices. Let your aspirations breathe life into tangible goals, and may the year ahead unfold as a canvas for your most authentic and thriving self.

Conclusion ✨🎉

As the clock strikes midnight on this New Year’s Eve, envision the incredible possibilities that lie ahead. Welcoming and unleashing your best self in 2024 is not just a resolution; it’s a commitment to continuous growth, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of your highest potential. Embrace the journey, savor the victories, and step into the new year with unwavering determination. Your best self awaits—let’s make 2024 extraordinary.

What are your goals or New Years Resolutions for 2024? What are some of your successes from 2023? Let’s cheer each other on to make 2024 the best year yet!!