As I (we all) wrap up another year, I’m tempted to go through all events, changes, goals, and dreams that happened in 2023 and reflect, just like I do every other year. To be honest, the past few months have had many changes, both exciting and scary, and so a lot of thinking and reflecting has been happening for many months and now, within a few hours of 2024, it’s time to just let go and be, something I’ve been wanting to do for quite some time. But, what would be a new year without some hopes for the next 365 days? (366 with Leap Year. :))

My hope for 2024 is to put pieces of my life puzzle back in place. I hope to have beautiful, strong, renewed friendships with people who bring out the best in me and leave me feeling bubbly and full of sunshine. I hope to not take life too seriously; to accept things I cannot control and to just do the best I can in whatever situation that arises. I hope to have more open communication with friends and family, to know them beyond the surface and to be part of their support system. I hope to always feel lucky whenever I see Paul, and whenever we continue to grow in our marriage. I hope to feel proud of myself, my home, and the relationships I’ve built in my life. I hope to have fun, to remain a kid even as I turn 35 (this goes with not taking life too seriously). I hope to strive to be the best version of myself, which is usually when I have the title Auntie or Mrs. Tran. I hope to continue seeing the magic and romance in everyday things; the light bouncing off the kitchen walls in the morning, the sight of twinkle lights in a restaurant, the absence of sound as the snow falls, the taste of a really good home-cooked breakfast (preferably with hashbrowns), the smell of mulled wine cooking on the stove, the warm feeling that comes with seeing a long-lost friend, the sight of a freshly cleaned kitchen, the joy that comes from finishing a much-anticipated book, the accomplished feeling of completing all the laundry (including folding and hanging and putting away), and the sound of little paws running across the floor to the door as you arrive home.

I hope for you all to have hope in the New Year, to find the beauty in everyday life, and to be excited for the future. Cheers to 2024 and to you, dear friends!