As we look forward to everything 2024 has in store, I know many of us are yearning for a simpler and selective range of life experiences in the year ahead — the happier days, the normal times, the settings and experiences that make us feel more comfortable. And yet, the full range of reality often brings something very different. The year ahead will inevitably give us an extensive array of experiences that evoke feelings ranging from sadness to struggle to pride to growth to hope, and more.
So we have a choice starting today. We can revolt against reality — the reality of having to deal with discomfort, of having to cope with uncertainty, of having to feel upset sometimes. Or we can embrace every experience life gives us, including all our highs and lows — all the blissful moments, and frustrating ones, and everything in between. Life is not just happy and comfortable 24/7. It’s well-rounded and it’s very real!
Embracing the full range of life’s experiences in 2024 means embracing every moment with our full presence, being open and vulnerable to reality, being gentle with ourselves when moments are tougher than we expected, and practicing sincere gratitude whenever possible.
It means accepting life as it is, and accepting ourselves as we are.
It means not expecting the best to happen every step of the way, but instead accepting what happens with each step, and making the very best of it.
And it won’t always be easy of course, but it’s worth remembering and practicing, together…
Let’s Keep Our Best Intentions Top of Mind
Over the past decade Marc and I have written various “notes to self” like the ones listed below (many of which are excerpts from our books), and then we review them daily until they become ingrained in our minds. These memorized notes have helped us stay on track in various areas of life by empowering us to make the best and most effective use of the ever-changing reality in front of us. So I hope you find value in them too. I challenge you to memorize at least a few of these notes by the end of January. Turn them into wallpaper on your phone, or simply write the words down on sticky notes and leave them in areas where you can see them throughout your days…
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Now, it’s your turn…
Although none of the aforementioned “notes to self” immediately force you to do anything different, they represent a timely shift in perspective, and a good perspective is where progress begins. For example, with the right mindset you can change your posture from one of tension and resistance to one of acceptance and opportunity as you move forward. Ultimately, the goal isn’t to get rid of all your negative thoughts, feelings or life situations in the year ahead. The goal is to gradually change your perspective and response to them.
But before you go, please leave Marc and me a comment below and let us know what you think of these notes. Your feedback is important to us. 🙂
Which one of the notes above resonated the most today?
Finally, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive new articles like this in your inbox each week.
Rachel says
Marc and Angel,
I love how the general premise of many of these notes to self pertain to self-care. That’s something I used to struggle with desperately. I actually found your work about two years ago when I was stuck in a rut. Between stressful career responsibilities and difficult personal obligations, my tank was utterly dry. I was stretching myself too thin…I was giving all of myself to the projects and people I care about and leaving zero time to nurture my own inner wellness. After reading your blog and emails and books, I set up some daily rituals like you suggested to deal with my self-neglect and balancing my time. And I’ve made a bunch of progress.
Although it’s been months since I checked in here and left a public comment, I do often read your newest emails when they arrive in my inbox. The email that took me to this blog post was so good, I just wanted to jump in and leave you a long overdue Thank You and Happy New Year.
Laura says
More notes, please. I will save these and read them all over and over.
Fatima Nadeem says
I love the positive outlook towards life. Each note gives a positive vibe I read them everyday.
Nadia says
Such solid wisdom to reinforce the positive opportunities at this moment as we prepare for the year ahead! I sincerely appreciate each note, but the first one made me take pause. I do have enough right now, and I am enough. Yet so often I forget it. Thank you.
Your emails, your newest book/journal, and your coursework have made this past year one of my most self-reflective and healthy years in recent times. What you two share continuously moves me in the right direction. I am grateful.
Thomas Owens says
I agree with what Rachel said above, but I also deeply resonate with the way you opened this article, by challenging us to accept every life situation now and in the year ahead. Too often I find myself side-stepping situations, relationships, and realities in my life that aren’t perfect and ideal. I resist the truth far more then I likely realize, and quite frankly I think many others I know do the same thing. We avoid the truth rather than opening ourselves to the possibility of making the very best of it.
Anyhow, I’ve been a long-time reader of your work, and my wife and I sit down together every week and use your essays, emails and excerpts from your books to reflect on our lives. This piece here has allowed us do just that today as we press forward into a new year. Thank you, yet again.
Sona Tank says
I have been reading your thoughts for the past 7+ years when I hit a rough patch. Your words have helped me through the loss of both of my parents and a few other griefs as well. This current post is exactly what I needed to hear again. Bless you and your family and community in the year ahead.
Jan says
I get so much out of all these notes to self (and everything you do). But the one that I focus on a lot is the one to ignore certain people and things in my life and value inner peace instead of reacting.
You continue to guide me every day. Thank you and new year to you both!
Lizzie says
“You need to do the hard things in life to be happy”
I’m currently learning to swim at the age of 50 and this resonated most with me right now.
It is so very hard but if I keep at it, it has the potential to be massively life enhancing!
MaryAnn says
Lots of ‘aha’ moments reading your ‘notes’ – but the last one particularly resonates with me about being 100% ready. I need to print ALL of those out and put them up on my inspiration wall in my office. I have LOTS of notes in my workspace to remind me about gratitude, centering, letting go, etc… One note I particularly love right now is ‘Never stop chasing things that seem beyond your reach’. I don’t know who said but it so resonates with me. Another one is ‘Accept what is, let go of what was & have faith in the journey.’ ~ It’s been a rough year for sure for me and so many people. But ultimately, I know that I have SO many things to be thankful for, my health being one of them for sure. I loved the comment above about writing letters to those in nursing homes. I’m going to look into that. I think the very best thing we can do right now is to be present for others. Even if it is just in a letter, over the phone or virtually. Anyway, I’m very hopeful there are some positive takeaways from this year for me.
Milind Gothivrekar, India says
All of the above notes to self are very beautiful, meaningful and worth trying in daily life all throughout the life and not just in 2024. Thank you both of you and best wishes for Happy New Year 2024.
Vicky Williams says
Happy and healthy 2014 to you both. I am afraid I cannot choose one to comment on, because they all teach me great lessons. Your words are always uplifting and inspiring. Thank you for posting, I will certainly read them again. I look on them as fertiliser for enhancing the mind.
santhosh says
thank you very much and grateful to you for sharing
Suzanne says
I would like to thank you for your insight, ability and willingness to share experiences for personal growth, understanding, and gratitude.
These are good suggestions. I like all the self notes listed today, especially #12. Please continue these thought provoking self notes. God Bless you.
Terri Rattler says
I really like all these notes. I’m going to share them with my sons. I thought of how I can be satisfied with my life and that I have no control over other people’s behaviors. I shouldn’t let that affect my life and not to dwell on it. Even if it means not seeing my grandchildren.
M Guizar says
I lie in my bed early every morning and read all of your messages, all resonate with my daily routine. I retired but needed to go back to work, I have more experience than the VP, sometimes he talks to me like I am stupid, your notes give me strength to accept why I am there and courage to ignore him. I know he needs my experience to create growth and I need the job, so I just ignore his negative comments and do my best. My experience triple his experience, his ego gets in his way, but hopefully he will realize I am very valuable. I also take write some of your notes on sticky notes and put it where my sons can read it. Accept what is and Let Go is so very important and we need to remind ourselves, there is a lot to be grateful for. Thanks so much
Tara says
Marc and Angel,
Thank you for these daily notes, and everything else you write – not only do I feel like so many of these speak directly to me, some have been life changing. Today’s ’12 Sticky Notes’ is no different. I was hooked at the first one, “let go of what you assume life should look like right now”. This has been my struggle lately, it’s as if you heard the most recent argument with my boyfriend. I promise I will be adding one of more of these to my daily gratitude and/or journaling practice to keep me focused on the best things.
Keep up the amazing work, and I wish you all a prosperous amd healthy new year!
Onshella Vernon says
Today’s post is perfect for me as I look forward to 2024. Thank you for inspiring me to always keep a positive perspective as I enter this new year.
Kelley says
the part about being young & reckless… just the way i needed to hear it phrased. Thanks.
Lou says
They all resonate with me, but the one that said do the hard things. I truly believe that.
William Moore says
What great advice especially since we’re entering a new year. I’ve been reading your emails when I receive them and download many for future reference. Thanks for keeping so many of us sane with down to earth living advice and helping us realize lots of the issues we deal with daily are someone else’s issues and not ours. I’ve come to the conclusion that some people are natural a88 holes and their nasty and rude attitudes are their problems and no matter how civil and polite you are to them, their attitude reeks
Maya says
Thank you. Great, as always. 🙂