Intention Setting for 2024

Well, we’ve come to the end of another orbit around the sun, and it seems like the perfect time to reflect on the past twelve months, and look ahead to the next twelve. 

2023 has been a crazy year for me – I lost my fiancé at the very end of 2022, so this year has marked many ‘firsts’ without him. Looking back on this year, I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and how I’ve risen to the challenge. I’ve returned to work, nurtured relationships with those around me, found new hobbies and continued to find joy in the little things. His positive energy has spurred me on, and I’d like to think that I’ve made him proud.

New Year is an especially poignant time as it was due to be our wedding anniversary. But I’m using his memory as a catalyst for my intention setting and manifestation practice for the year ahead.

I don’t want to be one of these people that spews the “new year, new me” mantra. I actually really like the person I am, and I just want to continue to work on being the best version of me. I recently read a new year quote that I much preferred:

Every year you make a resolution to change yourself. This year, make a resolution to be yourself.

I like the message behind this mantra. I don’t have to promise that I’ll lose 20lbs, start 15 new hobbies, end world hunger, or any other mammoth task that feels unachievable that I’ll have given up on by February. Instead, it gives me permission to focus on things that make me feel happy and authentically me, which I think is what life is really about. 

For me this year, I’ve spent some time working on some general goals without being too prescriptive. I’m trying to focus on the things I can add to my life, rather than what I need to take away. My new year plans are as follows:

• More plant-based foods (I’m attempting Veganuary 2024 where I’ll go fully vegan for January, then I’ll probably re-assess and re-work my diet to be predominately plant-based after this).
• More time tuning into my body – whether that’s through yoga, meditation, pilates, long walks, or anything else that my body is craving.
• More quality time with those I love. Life is unbearably short and we never know how much time any of us have left, so make time for people who matter, make memories often, and hold your loved ones close.

2024 is an exciting year for me. I’ll finally be starting my Yoga Teacher Training course, and I’ll also be embarking on my first solo travelling trip when I spend a few weeks in Bali in the summer. There’s plenty to look forward to, and I’m ready for the fresh mindset that a new year can bring. 

In 2023 I felt like I had to just survive from what the world had thrown at me, but in 2024 I’m ready to thrive.

Do you have any intentions or goals for 2024? I’d love to hear about them!

Natalie x