Now that you’ve filled up on all the holiday sweets, it’s time to ring in the new year. There’s that saying, “New year, new me,” right? It’s the time of year to set new goals. Maybe it’s hitting the gym or reading a certain number of books. Or maybe you have goals for your operation, whether it be increasing herd size, acres available for grazing or pounds of beef produced – or simply figuring out how to retain employees for the long haul. Whatever it may be, I hope 2025 is the year for you.
I’m not much of a New Year resolution girl myself. While I believe it’s important to have goals and dreams, I don’t think you need to wait until a new year starts just to bring them to fruition. I mean, what’s the rest of the year for?
For me, the end of one year and the beginning of a new one always makes me a bit more nostalgic than ambitious. I tend to be one that looks back on where the year took and taught me. Even with the hard moments, it never fails to make me smile at the memories I made with the people who meant most. And I think that’s what really matters.
Rather than forcing myself to sit down and write out the things I want to accomplish in the next 12 months, I choose a word that I want to describe my year – a “vibe” if you will, as we Gen Zers say. In 2023, the first year I did this, my word was “achievement.” That year, I was finishing graduate school, writing and presenting a thesis, and finding my first “big kid” job. That year, I graduated with my master’s degree, became an editor with Progressive Cattle and moved across the country to Idaho. It was a big year!
This past year, my word was “enjoyment.” After years of juggling schools, extracurriculars and part-time jobs, I found myself in a new state, not knowing anyone and with extra time on my hands. I created hobbies and bought way too many craft supplies and books. I became involved in my community. I spent as much time as I could with friends and family. I was able to travel and see new places. And then I moved back to my home state of Wisconsin and jumped back into life on the farm and the chaos of my large family.
This year, I’ve decided my word is “contentment.” Being content is not a comfortable feeling for me, but I want to be present in my own life and not always be looking toward the next thing. This year, I want to find joy in simple everyday life and regular routines. I will change my mindset from “I have to …” to “I get to … .” I plan to watch every sunset paint the sky and smile as I remember how truly beautiful life is.
However you ring in the new year, I hope it’s all you wish it would be and more. Whether you’re setting goals and accomplishing big things, or simply recovering from last year and bracing yourself for the new, don’t forget to take a moment and embrace the beauty surrounding you.
I wish you 12 months of happiness, 365 days of blessings, 525,600 memory-making minutes and maybe a little contentment too. Happy New Year!
