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Sunday Snippet: The End of Year Edition

2024 looms–and that is indeed the word I mean to use–looms. Not just personally, but also in regard to the whole world. We are living in chaotic and scary times, and I keep thinking what can I do?

The only answer I can come up with as 2023 closes is to hang on. Keep doing what I’m doing–write, work, spend time with my family, spread love, pay attention to what’s happening in the world…vote.

This may be the election year that I put in time as a volunteer for a candidate. My stomach roils at the thought of what’s happening in Washington (not much thanks to a do-nothing off-the rails House) and how divided we are as a nation. I have to have faith in my fellow Americans–that we will come together against the crazy that’s happening in politics. We must be proactive, to mobilize against the far right’s obsession with an autocrat. So, there’s that…

Mostly, though, I want 2024 to be my year to relax, to breathe. Maybe that can be my word for 2024–breathe. I will breathe in 2024. No resolutions, not promises to myself or others, just breathe. I will write, work, spend time with Husband, Son, DIL, and Grandboy. I’ll do book promotion, but not be obsessed with it, I’ll find a place to volunteer my time to help others. I’ll take some writing trips with Liz, go on an anniversary trip with Husband, spend time at the lake and enjoy my friends there.

I will breathe…

Gratitude for this week: Fun Christmas holiday with the kids and family; shared a fun morning with my friend Connie; been watching The West Wing again; enjoyed a fun evening of cards with old friends, Ray and Bessie and new friends, Dave and Nancy and Chuck and Genny; the BookBub for The Fireman’s Christmas Wish did pretty well–we made it to the #2 spot on the Amazon Top 100 Bestsellers list and saw some good read-through.

Happy New Year to you all and my sincerest gratitude to all of you who join me regularly. I depend on your support more than you know. Let’s step into 2024 together, shall we? Do you have a word for 2024 or a goal? Hope you’ll share it with me in the comments. Let’s talk.

Stay well, stay safe (masks are a good idea while germs are everywhere), remember to be kind to everyone you meet and most of all, mes amis, stay grateful!

 

 

 

 

16 Comments

  • Latesha B.

    Wishing you and yours a Happy New year, Nan. My word for 2024 is Trust. Have to trust that things will get better with the world.

  • Carol Light

    Happy New Year, Nan! I totally agree with your idea of just breathing and not stressing ourselves out, especially over things beyond our control or personal power to fix. We all need to be kinder to ourselves and others. After all, that’s something we can control. All the best for a healthy, happy, positive, and enjoyable year to you and yours.

    • Nan

      Isn’t it funny how we want to fix things even though we know we can’t? I like just being kinder to ourselves and others–that’s a good 2024 goal. Hugs, Carol!

  • sinclair

    Nan, that was a lovely end of the year message. I too have been stressed out about things far beyond my control, but you are so right–focusing on what we have to be grateful for–so many things–and what we can do to help with a problem we perceive either in our lives or our community or even larger and further away from our home does help the stress and empower us. Worry and complaining never help. Action can so thank you for the reminder and happy New Year.
    S

    • Nan

      I hope I can be calmer and know what action will serve and what will not. Mostly, I need to stop stressing and just do my life. I’m very glad you are part of it! Hugs and Happy New Year!

  • Vicki-Calif.

    Wow, #2 on the Amazon Top 100 Best Seller List!!! That is so exciting. I am very happy for you my friend.