Happy New Year! I’m back from break and ready for some fun blog posts for this new year! I figured we would catch up, and I could share a few things I have been doing to get refreshed for the new year.

To the ones who are intimidated by the new year, you are not alone. Resolutions and the constant pressure to change your life are at all-time highs on January first, and sometimes these things are just overwhelming. My biggest piece of advice is to continue doing what made you feel good last year, and just set some goals for this year. Do not overthink the new year, everything will work out.

I went to a YoungLife camp this past weekend in the hill country, and it was a really refreshing experience to set the tone for the year. I spent the weekend with some of my best friends, without our phones, just spending time together and furthering our religious beliefs. Putting your phone down and having genuine conversations is so important, and it is something I really want to focus on this year. Making real connections with people is so beneficial, and it was something I loved about this weekend.

Over the break I also officially enrolled in my future college over break, War Eagle! It is definitely a crazy time preparing for college, and already preparing for the goodbyes, but I feel really excited for what the next four years will bring. This new year has a lot of new experiences ahead, probably similar to yours, and my goal is to go into all of them with confidence and optimism.

Spend time with the people that make you feel good. If a relationship in your life does not seem like it is benefiting you, then do not put your time into it. 2023 brought me closer to so many amazing people, and I have gained the most rewarding friendships from it. Go into the new year with an open mind while also honoring your peace. 

Love, Haley