What is it about beginning a new planner that is so exciting? If you’re anything like me, you held your new planner like it was a roadmap to your future. Although it only held the dates ahead, you knew each of those calendar dates would eventually be filled with your life. How cool is that?
On our first day in 2024 we spontaneously decided to watch Migration in theaters. The showing time was at 9:30 am. This was Ruby’s first movie in front of the big screen. As we pulled into the parking lot we jokingly pointed out the few cars parked for the cinema. “If you are at the theater at 9:30 am on New Year’s Day you are definitely an all-star parent.” I said this with both amusement and longing for my warm bed at home.
Ruby did great through the movie. We packed plenty of snacks for her and her brother. Kenton, too enjoyed the movie and at one point covered his eyes with my jacket in fear that the ducks would be cooked by the evil chef.
If you haven’t yet watched Migration I would recommend you check it out. Both of my kids enjoyed it – ages two and eight. I also enjoyed the storyline. In some ways, the film reminded me of my family. Dad, Mom, brother, and sister adventure out from their secure and comfortable pond home into the unknown. Along the way they face challenges that both terrify and unite them. Each member faces hurdles only they can overcome. At the end they are stronger together and united as a family. It sounds cheesy, but I almost teared up towards the end. I know it’s silly because I am talking about mallard ducks, but those films have a way of doing that to you.
2024 is a new adventure waiting to play out. There is a lot of unknowns ahead of us. Right now you may be feeling anxious or overwhelmed as you think about all the tasks and deadlines looming over you. When you look at the deadline it is daunting. So many pieces need to be executed before you reach the finish line. Before your mind starts spiraling, take a deep breath and remember to break the goal down into bite size portions. You can do this by organizing your thoughts and tasks.
Now that your heartrate has returned to normal, remember this is your life. This year will grow you. You’ll face hurdles that will terrify you, but if you stay with it you’ll grow so much! And the best part is, you’ll become stronger and more united with the ones on the journey with you. As you change they will chance too. Growth is contagious and the more we elevate and push ourselves the better we all become.
Later that same day, I started preparing our New Year’s Day dinner! I put a rack of ribs in the oven around 2:30 pm to cook on low heat for three hours. Low and slow is the name of the game when it comes to cooking juicy meat. Once the hours had passed, I slathered on my secrete recipe BBQ sauce and broiled for another ten minutes. Along with our ribs, I made cheesy mashed potatoes and sauerkraut. Growing up my Mom would always make ribs and sauerkraut for New Year’s Day. I love continuing this tradition with my family. I personally love sauerkraut and enjoy eating it every year. My Mother taught me to cook the dish with brown sugar. This year I attempted to make the dish “healthier” by omitting the sugar and adding cooked apple and onions. I’ll be the first to admit, I preferred my Mom’s version best.
At dinner I was so proud of Kenton. He ate a few bites of my sauerkraut. It’s funny how on some days he seems to have changed overnight. Over dinner I felt that. “He’s growing up before my eyes,” I thought to myself.
And this is where I want to end my writing today…
It may not always feel this way, but you are changing. Each day you experience life you are writing your story. Your precious life is forever being written. Remind yourself of this as the worries of life begin to pile up on you. You have a beautiful life and each day you live it is another opportunity to help it grow! Keep celebrating, growing, and appreciating your journey!
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