Ins and Outs of 2024

My past new year’s resolutions have been being a SMART-goaling, manifesting, vision board, word-of-the-year kind of energy.  I might commit to write a sentence a day, eat more vegetables or floss.  But this year, none of those activities seemed appealing.  The idea of resolutions seemed tired.  Our 15 ½ year old dog Grace died on Dec. 28th.  It was not unexpected, and she left this world peacefully.  However, the loss has hit us all hard.  So, in honor of Grace, you might consider this alternative activity that made its way around social media:  think about your Ins / Outs for 2024. 

This is what Grace would say:

• Ins: Naps, Treats, Walks, People Time (she loved everyone), Listening without judgement

• Outs:  Car Rides, Nail Trims, Thunder and Fireworks (Weirdly, she liked the vacuum cleaner.)

Our family discussed our Ins/Outs for 2024.  It was an easy way to articulate what we want more of in our lives and what we need to leave behind.  If you want to volunteer more, sign-up on Paula’s Sunday worship help spreadsheet.  If you want more connection, join one of Peace’s many small groups.  Pray more.  Those are Ins.  Maybe you want less anxiety, less worry, or less guilt.  Maybe you need to cut back on mindless social media consumption.  Those are Outs. 

Pick your Ins and your Outs for 2024 and see where that takes you in the new year.

Creator,

Thank you for dogs.  They offer unconditional support and encouragement.  They go with us through life and although we miss them terribly when they’re gone, they remind us that nothing and no one lasts forever, which makes it all the more precious while they’re here.

Amen

Michelle is a Program Analyst with the Department of Veterans Affairs. She’s a wife, mother, sister, and friend, a chocolate and coffee lover, reader of books, listener of podcasts, and a travel enthusiast.