Welcome to my annual 12 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS!
If you’re new to this – here’s how it works:
1. Each day from December 1 through December 12 I will put up a new giveaway HERE on my website with instructions on how to enter, a detailed description of the prize, and some stuff about the book or series. Each giveaway is different and each has ONE WINNER. MY GIVEAWAYS ARE ALWAYS OPEN INTERNATIONAL
2. Each giveaway runs UNTIL DECEMBER 13.
3. Winners are CHOSEN and NOTIFIED on December 14. I will be notifying winners USING THE EMAIL USED TO COMMENT ON THIS BLOG – and all winners will BE LISTED AT THE TOP OF EACH GIVEAWAY POST HERE ON MY WEBSITE on December 14.
4. Winners have 24 hours to respond, then another winner will be chosen.
5. ALL PRIZES WILL BE MAILED ON DECEMBER 15. If I’m waiting on a winner to respond and they miss the December 15 mail date, that prize will be mailed when I get around to it. I live in the middle of nowhere so a trip to the post office is a “thing” for me. 🙂 So make sure you’re checking for winners on the 14th.
6. I will send newsletters announcing giveaways on December 1, December 6, December 12, and a Winner newsletter on December 14. I NEVER send this many newsletters in a month so sorry if that feels spammy.
7. You can also FOLLOW MY BLOG. I will also make a blog post HERE announcing ALL WINNERS on the 14th. If you want to follow this blog there will be a form at the bottom of each post to do that. Then you get an email when I POST HERE. I don’t do that often – December is the exception because of the 12 Days and my yearly “Wrap-up” post.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.
THAT’S IT! I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY THIS!
All prizes this year are self-care gift sets filled with holiday and luxury items, plus a $25 gift card and a signed copy of a a book.
DID YOU MISS A GIVEAWAY?
FIND THE OTHERS HERE
GIVEAWAY 1 – https://wp.me/p2C2YB-3yy
GIVEAWAY 2 – https://wp.me/p2C2YB-3yY
GIVEAWAY 3 – https://wp.me/p2C2YB-3zc
GIVEAWAY 4 – https://wp.me/p2C2YB-3zh
GIVEAWAY 5 – https://wp.me/p2C2YB-3A6
GIVEAWAY 6 – https://wp.me/p2C2YB-3zP
GIVEAWAY 7 – https://wp.me/p2C2YB-3AE
GIVEAWAY 8 – https://wp.me/p2C2YB-3AT
GIVEAWAY 9 – https://wp.me/p2C2YB-3Bb
GIVEAWAY 10 – https://wp.me/p2C2YB-3Bl
GIVEAWAY 11 – https://wp.me/p2C2YB-3BF
GIVEAWAY 12 – https://wp.me/p2C2YB-3BO
NOW LET’S GET ON TO THE NEXT GIVEAWAY!
IN EACH POST I WILL HIGHLIGHT A BOOK
TODAY’S BOOK HIGHLIGHT IS THE FORD BOOK
ANGSTY, SPICY, FORCED PROXIMITY ROAD TRIP!
THE FORD BOOK INCLUDES THE NOVELLA SLACK AND THE FULL-LENGTH BOOK TAUT.
IT SHOULD BE READ OR LISTENED TO AFTER THE ROOK & RONIN TRILOGY (TRAGIC, MANIC, PANIC)
Ford Aston doesn’t do feelings.
He does pets. And rules. And punishment.
Until he meets a girl who needs a prince.
Which… is he not. Not even close.
But all those ugly, stupid feelings he’s absolutely not having need an outlet and ‘new girl’ is in to his brand of weird. She’s smart, and pretty, and competitive. But also broken. Just like him. Maybe he can be a prince? Maybe he can save her? Or maybe… she’s is the prince and he’s the one who needs saving?
TROPES:
Alpha A-hole
SingleMom
Girl on the Run
Forced Proximity
Power Dynamics
Touch Her and Die
He Falls First
Anti-Hero
THIS AUDIOBOOK IS FREE USING THE BOOKFUNNEL APP!
THE FORD BOOK
THIS AUDIOBOOK IS FREE
DOWNLOAD IT NOW
NARRATED BY
TROY DURAN
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FREE FORD AUDIOBOOK
GIVEAWAY #7
THE FORD BOOK GIFT SET
WHAT’S IN THE GIFT SET!
-
- Signed hardcover edition of THE FORD BOOK!
- Tokyo Milk ‘Flirt With Me’ Fragrance Kit
- Tokyo Milk ‘You’re Still Irresistibly Foxy’ Candle
- Lollia ‘Relax’ Hand Crème
- Fuzzy Socks
- Two Felt Ornaments
- Handwritten Holiday Card from JA Huss
- Mini Christmas Tree with lights and trimmings to bring good cheer!
- $25 Amazon Gift Card
AND HERE’S HOW TO ENTER TO WIN TODAY’S GIFT SET!
ALL GIVEAWAYS ARE ALWAYS OPEN INTERNATIONAL!
(1) COMMENT HERE on the blog (below) and tell me –
If you knew then what you know now… WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR JANUARY 1, 2024 SELF ON HOW TO HANDLE THE LAST YEAR?
IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME COMMENTING ON THE BLOG IT HAS TO BE APPROVED. SO DON’T WORRY IF IT DOESN’T SHOW UP RIGHT AWAY.
MY ANSWER
I would tell myself to be less rigid and don’t be in such a hurry to get the Big Project done. I’m referring to wanting to sell the ranch and move out of state last summer.
But it was not a good time to be making such a big plan because I had book releases and book boxes schedule all spring and summer. Which is real estate prime time. I do absolutely all my own marketing, and formatting, and graphic design so it was just way too much.
Which led me getting frustrated with the process and taking the ranch off the market in August. lol
I was SO done. And it was so much work to get it all ready. I feel like I wasted my whole spring just doing work around the ranch.
It would’ve been a much easier year if I had worked on the house and getting it ready last year and then selling this year. Which is how will probably turn out anyway.
So yeah, I’d tell January 1, 2024 Julie to chill the fuck out and take a breath. Advice I probably won’t take on January 1, 2025 but hey, I tried. 🙂
AND HERE is a sneak peek of tomorrow’s giveaway!
Make sure you stop by and enter!
BTW – THERE ARE FIVE FUN WAYS TO STAY IN TOUCH with me.
ONE – FOLLOW THIS BLOG – FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW and you will be notified via email whenever I put up a new blog post. I usually do this about once a month unless I’m having a cover reveal, or a new release, or something special like this 12 Days of Giveaways. This is not a newsletter list. It’s ONLY tied to BLOG POSTS.
TWO – JOIN MY NEWSLETTER – you will get an email when I send a newsletter. I don’t send very many. Maybe once a month unless I’m up to something special. But you will NOT be notified of blog posts. DON’T FORGET TO CONFIRM YOUR EMAIL or it won’t sign you up.
THREE – or if you don’t like to get emails – YOU CAN JOIN MY FACEBOOK GROUP. This is where I hang out on the daily. We’ve got a nice group going with ZERO DRAMA. And if you ever have a question about something, you can tag me in there and I’ll answer you. I’m literally in there all day, every day.
FOUR – If you like more personal things, then my Instagram is the place to be. This is where I post everyday stories about my ranch and farm animals.
FIVE – I started a Patreon in 2024 and all my books release early there before they release to the public. Since I didn’t have a new release ready for October and November I’ve been writing a very special SPICY WHY CHOOSE novella for all my paying members. They will get the book the free and there will even be a duet narrated audiobook! YOU CAN CHECK OUIT MY PATREON HERE.
I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A VERY HAPPY HOLIDAY AND NEW YEAR.
Stay calm, stay safe, and let’s have a great 2025!
WINNERS FOR ALL GIVEAWAYS will be chosen on December 14 and announced on my blog and in my newsletter. All gifts will be mailed on December 15th with priority mail, so hopefully you get them before the big day. ALL MY GIVEAWAYS ARE ALWAYS OPEN INTERNATIONAL.
711 Responses
Just embrace it
I wouldsay that things will be OK. Just keep plugging away, putting on foot in front of the other. Always strive to make the current day better than the last. And enjoy life
I with tell myself to not take everything so seriously. Laugh more in the moments, and no matter his hard I try, I can’t control the way the cards will fall.
Enjoy life more, because it is way too short!
I would tell myself to exercise more to help relieve stress.
I would let myself know that everything is going to be okay, this year is all about hard work, patience and asking for help.
I would tell myself to advocate stronger and sooner for my and my son‘s mental and emotional well-being. I would also tell myself to practice more restraint financially (I fell into a bad habit of buying things to make me happy instead of dressing that true issues, causing my anxiety and depression)
Be prepared for the unexpected. Make a spring/summer trip back to visit family.
DO NOT listen to bad hiring advice! You will regret it immensely!
Exercise more
I would tell myself to slow down and enjoy life and spend more quality time with our family and friends. This year has flown by super fast. I swear after you have kids the years just fly by
I’d remind myself that my gut rarely steers me wrong and to listen to it more so I wouldn’t have the issues I have going into ‘25 since I didn’t.
I would have left the country in January and maybe not returned.
Just to not stress, everything always works out! Enjoy the little moments in life!
Just get little jobs done each day rather than trying to rush everything and feeling broken for days!
If I could send a message back to myself in January 2024, I’d advise myself to stock up up on food- the prices went up this past summer and never went down.
I would definitely tell myself to pace myself with all the ARC I don’t have to sign up for so many. Also I would tell myself that I don’t need to worry about what to do after graduation that everything will work out eventually.
I would tell myself to embrace the good things and take the bad with a grain of salt and brush it off…..I would tell myself to have more of a positive outlook and not to always look for the negatives.
Have more fun and don’t worry about all the little stuff and getting all those little things done that really aren’t important in the big picture. Plus spend more time with my mom and siblings.
Save more money and to just stop stressing over non important things
I would say to try to enjoy the simple things and not stress over the things that go wrong. I’ve been trying to do more of this.
Go slow enjoy all the time with family and friends.
I would tell myself to hang in there. You will get through the depression that’s had you in it’s grip for the past few years. At the beginning of 2024, it was my goal to fight to feel better and I succeeded even when I thought I would fail. I proved myself wrong and fought my way out of the darkness.
Save more money, be more proactive with my health
I would have told myself that everything would work out professionally. That being more present in my everyday life is just as important as doing it at work. That women are not always the best communicator in a relationship. That before you know it the year will be over and you will finally be working with people that make changes and are kind and understand your quirky ways.
I would push a loved one to get medical help sooner.
I would tell myself to focus on what I want and take more time for self care.
I would remind myself to relax. Everything will work out. Listen to your heart.
I would tell myself to take more time to enjoy life. Simple things like a leisurely walk or sitting by the pool reading need to take priority.
I would tell myself it’s not the end of the world if something doesn’t go according to plan. And that everything falls into place eventually. There are reasons that things happen the way that they do.
Save more money and stop giving all of myself to people that don’t deserve it.
I would tell myself that it’s ok to take time for myself regardless of all the things that need to be done. I would tell myself that there is no such thing as a perfect mom or teacher and it’s ok to have hard days that turn into hard weeks. But it is never ok to stay below the line, so pick yourself up and change what you can and brush the things you can’t off. Because those are the things that shouldn’t weigh on you.
Stop thinking so far ahead and enjoy each day, one at a time as it comes! Don’t sweat the small stuff and celebrate every moment you can now! You never know, it could be your last!! Tomorrow isn’t promised
I’d tell myself to chill the feck out ! I’m too hard on myself and expect perfection out of myself but give everyone else a pass . I’m walking into to 2025 with less expectations for myself.
I would definitely tell myself to stress less, that things would work out abd I wouldn’t need to invest so much of myself for the end result.
I would tell myself to just let things be, let things go !! And for those I have lost (2) nephews, I should have told you I loved you more often and hugged you a little tighter, then I’d tell myself that no matter what life throws at me, duck and let it it someone else. 2025 will bring better health, to take it one day at time, don’t dwell on things that are out of my control.
I would tell myself not to worry so much and to enjoy life more.
I would’ve told myself to pace myself, breathe and be ready for absolutely anything to happen at any time.
Honestly, I don’t know what I would tell myself. I really don’t think I learned anything to tell my past self. I’m not trying to be pessimistic. I’m Just grateful that nothing has become worse in my life. I feel like it’s best to not dwell. Maybe I would tell myself not to stress so much. Everything always works out. This next year will be okay.
I’d tell myself to take time for yourself. You can’t take care of your family if you don’t take care of yourself first. Breathe and relax, the year gets so much better.
I would tell myself the surgeries will go well, stop stressing and thinking of the worst case scenario. I’d tell myself to enjoy the resting time, DON’T rush it.
Don’t spend your energy on things that you know won’t work out in the end. Hope is a bitch.
I would tell myself to not try to do everything at once. A little bit each day works much better and it still gets done.
I would have told myself to buckle down and get my permit and then my license so I could drive our car instead of my boyfriend and maybe we wouldn’t have gotten in the car accident we were in. Id also tell myself to take care of my health and mental health better.
I would have done more and quicker in taking care of my health issues. Would have probably saved me from being hospitalized for 18 days in April. The hospitalization/surgery was necessary, but maybe not as many days inpatient. Doing better now, plannng on being very proactive. Loved the multiple series that Ford was apart of. Those combined have been my favorite of your books, from Rook & Ronin all the way to Five!! Thanks for the chance.
I would say hold on it’s going to be a bumpy year. My brother passed away and tore my heart out. We lost a cat to diabetes. Money was so tight we almost went into foreclosure. I’d say there is always a silver lining and you just have to look for it.
I would tell myself to look at better schools for my son. We have had a rough time finding a school that fits him. Our hometown school is just too big and it’s not conducive to his dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.
I would tell myself to save more money because unexpected bills like car repairs, dental and medical expenses will happen.
I wished I would have starting walking earlier in the year.
I would have to tell myself to be patient, don’t stress over the small things, stay busy, and not let the sayings of others bother you so much. Continue to be a good person and do what needs to get done to make your life a little better.
Prepare for a very painful year and try and do as much as you can when you can. Don’t put things off when you’re feeling good. Make the most of the good days.
While I was unemployed I wish I had done more to lose weight and get in shape!
First of all, FORD. 😍 Second, I would tell myself to breathe. Sometimes, family isn’t what’s best for you. Toxic is toxic. It was a rough year but I’m excited for 2025!
My advice to last year’s self would be “check in the health of those important to you.” Someone’s life might have been saved. Sigh.
Chill about what doesn’t get done and don’t let bad joojoo from work sink in.
I would advise myself to be more careful lifting things so I didn’t have a back ache all the time.
Be more patient. I want things done now and usually that’s not going to happen. Don’t stress about things out of my control.
Dust off your resume and be prepared for the ride ahead.
Take your time to find the right opportunity md you’ll succeed
I would have told myself that I was going to get through this year’s cancer treatment and that I’d be able to enjoy living!
Change is good!
I would tell myself to spend a much time with my sister. Life is not guaranteed.
I would advise myself to be more patient and pay attention to more of what’s in front of me than on what’s online.
If I could tell myself something it would be not to buy a summer dress for my daughters May wedding because she is going to switch it to December! And the pain after surgery will end. Just keep up the PT everything will be ok.
I would tell my self to sell my condo and go live closer to my son . I am going to try to sell next month but I think condos are not selling that quick . Finger’s crossed I will be able to sell and find a new place closer to him and his wife
Take a deep breath. Things will get better be more cautious with your money! Continue to love your family unconditionally
Pass up those big macs and extra ice cream.
Learn to say ‘No’ and mean it. It took me an age to learn to say no and mean it at work. It’s all about balance and if it doesn’t benefit me and takes me away from my family it’s not worth it. I’m so much more relaxed now and enjoy my weekends fully. No more Sunday shivers.
To not ask a particular question from someone in the family, expecting a normal answer.
Thank you
I’d tell myself to not take everything so seriously. Enjoy life while you can.
I would tell myself to leave the abusive relationship I was in last January and right away, not to wait. Because it wasn’t going to get better. And to give myself grace everyday because I don’t deserve to be hurt by anyone ever.
To have patience. Things will happen as they are supposed to, including health related things and relationships. Don’t rush the process of getting healthier, your body will do that when it’s ready.
Don’t let the small things bother you. It’s going to turn out ok
I think I would tell myself to spend more time with family, bc u never know when it’s their last
This one is easy. I would tell myself to not waste 6 1/2 months on a job that stressed me out, made my anxiety skyrocket and took me away from enjoying my family. After I left that job in July my whole life changed for the better. If I would have been honest with myself, I should have left that job back in 2022.
One day at a time and live like there’s no tomorrow.
I, too, am very rigid. I make a plan and follow it. And when it falls apart it takes me having a bit of a pity party before I pull up my big girl panties and move on. I need to go with the flow more and chillax.
I’d tell myself to slow down and enjoy the everyday moments with the people I love more often. This year felt like a race from one big event to the next, which were all wonderful, but I feel like I didn’t appreciate the gift of the quieter, everyday moments just being together.
My daughter had her year 11 exams in May/June. I wish I had not nagged her to study as much as I did as I do not think it did much good and I think it damaged our relationship.
My advice to myself for 2024 is that this new move to another job is going to be the best.
Honestly, I wouldn’t change how I handled last year. If I had to pick one thing, I would say not to buy a few things that I don’t really have any use for.
Stop hoping people will change. Not everyone is meant to stay in your circle forever
Hang in there. This year will be full of loss but you will get through it.
Don’t stress about something that’s supposed to be fun, just try to enjoy yourself.
Stick with the plan and all will end well.
I don’t know that I would tell myself anything really. I always say no regrets because I feel like the butterfly effect would happen. But this year hasn’t been that bad. Just the cost of everything and not affording certain things. So then maybe save some more money so you can afford christmas.
Take a deep breath and go with the flow.
I would tell myself to start looking for a new job alot earlier than I did. I didn’t realize how bad the job market would be. So I would definitely get a jump on it before it got this bad.
I would tell myself I’m worth it and I got this shit and that I am loved.
Maybe to stop making excuses to myself, and don’t be so picky with jobs, lol. Thanks for the chance 😁
I would tell myself to stop waiting for things to come to fruition, and just do them. So many days wasted just waiting for the motivation, and not enough days forcing the motivation!
Don’t worry so much.
To have patience and trust the process. I had both of my knees replaced at the same time and was very impatient to get back to normal. I’m sure that I drove my doctor, physical therapist, and husband nuts. And of course it worked out fine in the end.
Emmm I think I would tell myself to get the transmission on the Sentra looked at before it crapped out and we wasted all our savings on another car which was SO much trouble to fix but is running now ok 🤞
Be patient
To take the time and be more present with family and friends
Be consistent
I would tell myself to be more patient with my family and myself.
I would tell myself that the grass is not always greener on the other side. To make sure that the choices I make are the ones that are the choice.
I would tell myself to slow down and be more patient. To not let the littlest things and a certain someone piss me off.
I would tell myself it’s okay to slow down and see how things play out.
I would tell myself to give my sister extra hugs. She passed away in March. She was never sick and had no symptoms until she went to the doctor in February with what she thought was a gallbladder attack. It was cancer. I would tell myself don’t wait for tomorrow. Take those trips, give more hugs, make those calls.
I would tell myself to just keep going and not to worry
I would tell myself to take a deep breath and realize things will work out the way they are supposed to in the end. Even if it wasn’t the way you expected. And give myself some more grace.🫶🏼 here is to 2025!✨️✨️
Follow your choices through to the end and get ready to make the difficult decisions.
I would have gotten loans to finish my college education and get my degree
eat better
Make smarter money decisions
Stick to your gut feelings abd don’t listen to all the naysayers. Remember what you truly know of the people in your life and don’t believe what others may say of them
That’s a tricky one, I suppose I’d say your stronger then you think, and to take each day as it comes. You’ll get through it.
Take a deep breath and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Would have started my new life sooner 😊
I would tell my self to make sure I have a will and life insurance. After losing my older two kids father unexpectedly this year it made me realize we don’t have forever. I know i can do it now but I just kept putting it off.
I would tell myself to not get too worked up over things I had no control over and just move past it.
I’d be sure that my mothers aides told her to call me on my cell phone number while I was in the hospital; I would make certain all PT was definitely set up correctly before I left the hospital; I’d follow thru on all of my appointments; I’d make certain all of my sisters understood me when I told them that our mother was truly going downhill much more quickly & they should make every effort to not just call but show their faces as she was forgetting things so v quickly; & I’d make certain all of the estate planning that had been done had been REDONE by a competent atty earlier in the year so as to save anything & everything possible for her care when the LTHC ran out. Oh yes. And I’d have had my room professionally cleaned up way earlier in the year. Just for that feeling of relief.
How to handle 2024–well maybe try harder to not use credit and save
I would tell 2024 self not to pull my crypto out in August, because it would have doubled in the month of November. Still kicking myself in the ass over that one.
Seriously tho I tell myself every year THIS is the year I’m going to slow down and take time for family and myself but fortunately life still happens. One day we will be old and alone wishing we had something to do. The kicker is trying to find the happy medium for you and your family.
I would tell myself that your going to make it. Don’t worry and stress so much
I would tell myself to spend more time with family and friends and to relax and enjoy life more.
Planned my daughters baby shower a little earlier. She ended up getting severely pre-eclampsia and delivering in August instead of November. I would have liked her to have that experience since my grandson will most likely be their only child.
Don’t stress over small things
I would tell myself to get back into my routine. I retired in March and my brother got sick and passed away. Had to clean out is stuff and threw a lot of stuff away that should of been thrown out a long time ago. So need to get back into my routine of going through things to see if we really need them.
have fun
I would focus more on the things that make me happy. Happiness is a choice to be made every day.
I have no advice I would tell myself. I wouldn’t listen anyways. Live it to learn it and just keep going.
To be more present because the time goes by so quickly.
Take a deep breath. Knowing the stress of 2023 will get better in 2024. Family problems will get better. The love of my life of 50 years will be there by my side to get through the pain and suffering we experienced a it will all go away this year.
It wasn’t a great year, but things could have been so much worse. This year I am going to concentrate on traveling. Make it happen!
Journal more, text less 😉 don’t send that text babe copy and paste it into your journal and go on with your day. Get it out, but don’t throw your shit on someone else just because they”ve hurt you because why? Why communicate with someone looking for what? Comfort? Closure? From someone whos hurt you….. sounds like you’ll just get hurt again silly 😉 much love mama 💕stay strong, keep trying.
Don’t sweat the things that I have no control over.
Looking back, I think 2024 played out exactly the way it had to for me and my family. There were things that could have been done differently but I’m very happy with how it all ended up so probably wouldn’t change a thing.
Grant myself more grace.
I would tell myself to call, visit, meet with people in my life, don’t postpone, don’t delay, time goes by fast and I waited too long.
I could have saved a bundle on therapy if I would have paid a little more attention to the advice I got from Disney movies…
Just keep swimming… (Dory)
“Let it go!” (Elsa)
“It’s good to keep your friends within hugging distance.” (Pooh & Tigger)
“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.”(Thumper)
” Find a happy place! Find a happy place! Find a happy place!”(Finding Nemo)
“You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth maybe the best thing in the world for you.” (Walt Disney)
“I give myself very good advice, but I seldom follow it.” (Alice in Wonderland)
Yes! Perfectly quoted and I second that! ❤
I was stuck in a toxic work environment and I should’ve walked away sooner. It took me the whole year and falling into a depression with crazy anxiety to break free. I would tell myself that I do not have stay in place that is negative just for a few extra bucks. My mental health is far to important
It’s going to be a tough year. More will happen than you can ever imagine but you will get through it somehow. Trust in God.
Take everything with stride and everything you have been thru will work it self out. It’s okay to have a breakdown when needed but afterwards pick the peices up and keep moving forward.
I would have told myself to not put off my own medical issues for everyone else’s because all year my pain has been getting so much worse to the point where some days I’m not even sure how it hasn’t broken me yet.
I would tell myself to just do it! Don’t talk yourself out of going places and doing things because it might upset others, just go and do the things that make you happy.
Chin up, eyes forward, ears closed to all the bullshit, entitled nonsense that others seem to spout whether we want to hear it or not. Be yourself and continue to give not even two fucks what others think.
Merry Christmas, Julie 🎄🎁🎄
I would tell myself to let things roll of my shoulder.
I would tell myself to keep moving forward and not look back. I would have also told myself to have more fun and enjoy the small moments.
If I could go back to the beginning of 2024, I would tell myself to get that anxiety medication sooner lol! And “this too shall pass.”
I would say trust that things will be OK. Keep in touch with family anf friends more. Relax and enjoy each day.
i would tell myself that healing trauma is not a straight line process and that there are many drops and numerous triggers that will cause you to go back to not feeling good. Keep up with the things that work with to keep the BP lower and do more meditation. You don’t have to be perfect.
I would have told myself in January to sell the house instead of waiting until April to figure that out.
Just enjoy all the moments.
I would tell myself everything will be okay and to keep your head up!
I would tell myself to just worry about stuff that I can do something about and things that are out of my control I need to just trust in faith. It’s hard though to tell the difference, though. Some things seem like we can control if we just work harder at them to come up with a solution, but often times there’s not much we can do other than what we’ve already been doing.
I would tell myself to go to college
I would tell myself not to “volunteer” quite so much. A dear work colleague followed my lead and tore her ACL while setting up tables and chairs for a school dance right after buses pulled out (I teach). Workmen’s comp denied the claim saying she was technically off the clock and working as a volunteer when she walked from bus duty into the building. A giant crock of sh*t, but lesson learned … I dont have to be THAT teacher who works all the events …. instead, being the one who races home to drink a beer and read a book has its advantages. If I’m not covered for injuries, then maybe we shouldnt do these events.
The new job I went for will make me happy and I will enjoy the challenge of leaning new things when I start the job. I can and will rise to the tasks.
I would tell my 2024 self to stop stressing and breathe. It’s ok to say no and ask for help. I’m human not a robot.
To get therapy sooner.
I would tell myself to set some extra money aside for the bills this year because this year is going to be a hard one come winter time.
My goal would be the same as yours. Be a more go with the flow type of person instead of getting all worked up all the time! Chilling out is exactly what I should do as well!
To enjoy life, take more pictures, and stop worrying about the little things.
Set those boundaries sooner!
Wow, now that’s one hell of a question! With a year of nothing but change for the family; I think I would tell myself to cherish every day and enjoy all the time possible with friends. Moving away hurts more knowing I didn’t take every opportunity to make memories and share love with them that I could have.
Just breathe.
Don’t watch the news. Don’t bother. And don’t assume everyone is going to be there by the end of the year. Make the extra phone call, take the drive to go see them. Tell them you love them.
To slow down and enjoy life… find the good in even bad situations.
Seek help earlier for stress and anxiety. It affected my physical health somewhat and now I’m feeling much better.
Just Breathe.
Take it one day at a time.
Not to stress about it too much, it all will work out, maybe not the way wanted it to, but it works out in the end.
I would tell myself to exercise more and buy less.
I would tell myself to save more and to just slow down and stop rushing so much.
Start looking for a new job immediately
Spend more time with your grandma.
I would have not traveled to Scotland with my sister! She was a lot of work! It sounds mean but you were not there!
I’d have to tell myself to relax. That it’s not as bad as I think it is. I have really bad anxiety. I tend to have what my friends call “meltdowns”… anxiety attacks. Sometimes it’s hard to pull myself out of them and they come on for no reason. Looking back, after the attack it’s something I could have avoided if I could have just realized it wasn’t as bad as it seemed. So I think if I can learn to relax a bit more, I won’t have as many attacks. That would be my advice to myself. It’s not that bad. Learn to relax.
I would have told myself to get her arteries checked before weight loss surgery. I had a blockage that caused a clot after surgery.
To budget more. Work on the purge but plan slow and steady instead of expecting it could happen fast and furious, which only caused frustration and mentally shutting down not being able to get even a fraction done.
Save money, do not buy stuff you don’t need it
I would tell myself life’s to short, if it sparkles and you want it go for it, new experiences take them they are not always there tomorrow
Breathe
You are stronger than you think. Try to not live in your head so much. It doesn’t help solve anything.
Don’t let everything get to you. You are stronger than you realize.
I have no idea to be honest. I feel like I’ve been hanging on by a thread this year. Just got to keep going I guess!
I’d tell myself that life is so much easier if I didn’t worry about every little thing. If I would only worry about the things I can change/fix and say screw the things I have no control over. My anxiety has become a everything anxiety instead of just social anxiety and it sucks. So here is to 2025 even if it does start with
Just BREATHE!
I would tell myself to meditate! Everyday! Breathe!
I really don’t know. Honestly the most adverse thing, we have luckily, had to deal with is I have had a double case load at work and that has been stressful but doable . I suppose I would say- your gray hair is going to be a part of you now
Appreciate the people who are around you!
Wishing you clarity and patience Julie in selling your ranch/farm and moving out of state!
To relax and live life to it’s fullest
Not to believe people that easy.
Patience!!! Learn the art of patience. There were a lot of projects going on in 2024 (Son got married, kitchen remodel). Lots to get done. Take one thing at a time and be patient!
I would tell myself to relax and take a deep breath. It’s not easy but you make it. Find joy in the small things. Try not to stress so much
I’d tell myself to not worry and stress about everything little thing so much, and that everything is going to be okay.
I would tell myself in January 2024 to relax and not stress over all the changes life throws at me. My oldest moved out with his fiance and my youngest wrecked his car. No injuries just a whole lot of stress and changes. As we get older there are more extensive changes that I need to just roll with them. I really do not like change, which is horrible since change is part of life.
To breathe and tell myself to prepare.
I would tell myself to remember to take in all the little moments because they won’t last forever. And I would tell myself to call my Granny more throughout the year. I lost her this year and all I want to do is call her and I can’t.
To be more financially smart. To take one day at a time and plan more trips to see family.
Take a deep breath and step away when things start to go bad, then come back when you have some perspective again.
At the end of January I will turn 46 and have never had a career, only jobs. So I was going back and forth on whether I wanted to go back to school at 45 and graduate at 46. In June, I finally took the plunge and am currently taking Accounting and Payroll Admin, best decision I have made in a long time. So I would tell my January 1, 2024 self to take the plunge and not wait.
I would tell myself that my husband is deploying. So get a jump on everything that you will need his help for. And to get everything bought up that he is going to need.
enjoy the small things + power through
I would tell myself to breathe and relax. Appreciate the friends and family around you. Enjoy the little things.
I would have taken the time earlier in the year to spend time with my MIL who died at the end of July.
I would tell myself to enjoy and embrace the rollercoaster! It was a busy but great year ❤️
I would be a little more aggressive getting a deal closed that had a legal 5/24 date. Hope it closes with interest!$
I would tell myself to stop being so critical of myself. Things will all work out just as they are suppose to. Relax and enjoy your family. Good things are headed your way.
Don’t worry it gets better
Sometimes you just have to “smile and wave”. Dont sweat the small stuff.
Just breathe, everything will work out in the end.
I would not have run for political office this year.
Learn to be more independent and everything will work out in the long run.. Merry Christmas.
I would tell myself to start now. Why are you waiting? What are you waiting for? Just do it already!
To chill! Panicking and fretting gets you nowhere apart from the path of exhaustion!
So yeah, just calm down.
Also Fucking Ford is one of thee most unforgettable characters. Ever.
I can’t come up with anything so I guess I’m good 🙂 to go 🤷🏻♀️
To toughen up and prepare for heartache. Lots of it. And to hold my momma tight cause you only got a month and a half left with her.
Get off my ass and get more stuff done.
I would say to myself ‘face the challenge and have the hard converation when you have the chance, otherwise you will only make 2025 more difficult and you can’t avoid the converation.”
Prepare yourself for a rollercoater ride
Highs and lows
Disappointment and surprizes butbhey thats lfe and you will survive it x
I would tell myself to be prepared for more changes and start planning more things earlier.
I would tell myself not to stress so much, and go out a bit more enjoy life more xx
To breathe and not stress as much. And prepare for our retirement to look different than planned.
Prepare for some big changes and a Lot of pain of all kinds.
Take better care of myself physically and throw out those words it is what it is.
I ended up self-medicating with ibuprofen and acetaminophen for pain believing more is better. Don’t do it. I developed a bleeding ulcer which put me into diabetic ketoacidosis. Meaning my blood sugar was too high at 552. Normal is 80. Hospitalization for 10 days and ICU. Blood transfusions. Yikes! Moral of the story- watch out for ibuprofen or everything in moderation. Take better care of myself and I don’t know everything.
Have fun . Things will work out. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
I would tell myself not to stress as much as I did. Everything works out. And definitely buy that generator before summer ends!!
Just be you and don’t try to please others. You can’t please people so don’t waste your precious time trying. Just be genuine to everyone and do you boo😃😃
Now that’s a hard one, with hindsight comes great knowledge. If only it was possible to see 365 ahead.
I think i would tell myself to think more positive. To allow the sad things that happen to flow straight through and not linger on the edge. All things end. And I’m gonna take that thought with me through to the 1st day of 2025. My family has a battle ahead of us and I’m gonna tell myself to be positive and not linger on the bad and the sad. To absorb the pain and turn that bitch around the strengthen our hearts and souls for the win.
I would tell myself this will be my year to find myself and to change and grow. It’s been stretching but fulfilling!
To follow my own advice more often.
Probably that it has to get better because I started out the year with Covid. Mainly to take it day by day.
I don’t think there’s anything I’d change. I’ve kind of settled in to getting older and giving myself permission not to do all the things. Except maybe I would have stayed home when my steep driveway was icy instead of going to work. My poor car couldn’t make it all the way back up and I slid slowly off the driveway and was stopped by a tree. Just a pock mark on the side of my car but it took several days before I could get it unstuck and back up the driveway.
find the time to spend with your best friend before August and take lots of photos before August when she finds out she has Breast Cancer. Take the time with family and friends times not limitless
I’d give myself the grace to understand that what you can do is enough.
Take each day as it comes and enjoy the life that God has given me. Be thankful for the little things and don’t be so judgmental of others. That is not my job.
Be quiet and listen
Need to watch our money more. No silly spending as we had no idea what a horrible year we would have and so many unexpected expenses.
Oh goodness, probably tell myself to relax and have more fun!
Self: When you get that email to report PFAS, get busy! Don’t wait until the last minute. lol
I had so much hope for the new year at the start of 2024, so I’m not sure I’d tell that self anything much except to hang on to that hope. Hope is always a good thing.
Don’t hesitate and trust your gut. I made a whole lot of big decisions this year and I feel I would have been better off if I had started in 2023, because in the end my first instinct was the right one. With all the big stuff out of the way, i am ready for 2025. Bring it on!
I would tell myself not to go on holiday with someone I thought was a friend. It turns out he never was. So my advice to myself would have been… trust your instincts!
I would tell myself to have faith, that things will be difficult but turn out okay.
I would tell myself to keep going with the work around the house even if you only do a little at a time every day it will eventually look like you did something. Thanks again for the opportunity.
I guess I would tell myself to trust your instincts. When my body starts to feel off, go with your gut and get care quickly.
Not to stress as much and believe that everything will be fine. I stressed about cancer that was found but it was removed and is now gone.
I would have told myself to make spending time with my mom a bigger priority. She is getting older and we have a health scare right now that we won’t get news on for a couple months and I am terrified that I have wasted time I could have spent with her
I would tell myself not to stress about the little things and thinking about what ifs because the past can’t be changed .
Save as much money as you can squirrel away. The end of the year gets rough but it’ll be okay
I would say maybe try to get more involved at work during the transition period when switching teams. I would also say spending more time talking with/seeing my dad would have been good.
you are never prepared for the pain of loss
I would tell myself that I’m in for a wild ride of self discovery and improvement for the year and to lean in to get the most of it.
After 30 years of regular and excessive drinking, I quit due to negative lab work. Haven’t had a drink since March and it has literally changed my life and my relationships for the better. I’ve also returned to school and am working on a physiology degree due to my interest in finishing something I stated in the late 80s right after high school. All of this with less than 2 years from retirement from my government job which I’ve been in for 35ish years. The future is feeling pretty bright!!
Also, Ford is top 5 (probably top 2!) in my favorite book boyfriends list. Love me some Ford!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I would tell myself to relax more-you don’t al ate have to have a project. Breathe when things get hard, be flexible and enjoy the journey!
Handle your finances better!
I would tell myself nothing horrible is going to happen and to not put off getting the furnace checked before the first cold spell.
I would have told myself to enjoy the good days to the fullest between the difficult ones.
I would tell myself to just hold on and the nights will get better. The baby will eventually sleep thru the night and so will you! It will get better!
There were so many unforeseen personal events in 2024 which occured right after the first of the year. There wasn’t anything I could do but to wait it out and hoped that everything would turn out ok. Luckily for me it did. So looking back, and also looking forward, I just have to tell myself to stay positive (because I believe you do have to put it out there), make sure I do everything I can to put myself in the path of opportunity (like entering your 12 Days of Giveaways), and hope I get lucky!
Not to let people walk all over you & stand up for yourself no matter what other people think of you
I’d say not to worry so much about all the small details.
I would have told myself to take more time to myself. I’m always doing so much for others and my health wasn’t great this year.
Don’t bother going to any of the doctors that you went to this year. They won’t help you and it is a waste of money.
I would tell myself there are LOTS of twists and turns and deep breath and hang in there
I would have left old job sooner.
I would tell me to take care of myself while living in my mom’s house in NC. To take breaks and not stress myself out.
I would say to my self of yester year, if you want to keep family close, don’t argue about money. If you lend $$, don’t expect it back because you will drive yourself to drink! Chill pill for me LOL!
Calm down, pray, and know that things will work out.
Deep breaths it will get better.
Just keep swimming!
Have more patience and better communication with my husband.
To slow down and enjoy life a little more
I would tell myself to take better care of myself
You can’t sign up for every ARC you like. We can’t read more than 40 a month
Be kind to myself
I can honestly say I don’t really have anything. 2024 has been a decent year for me. Aside from my chronic illness, but I did finally get a diagnosis after almost 2 years. So, if anything, I would tell me what my diagnosis is, then maybe we would be farther along in trying to find the proper medications. Oh, and to chill out and just wait, I will finally get a disability hearing date, even if it isn’t till 2025.
To not let the little things stress you and to learn that its ok to say no sometimes. Life is to short and you only have one so live it.
“You can’t afford to buy all those books.” (Not that I would listen any better.) lol
Cut your losses. Get out.
Do not ignore the pain in your chest
Focus more on growing your business and do not make an offer on that house!
Work hard, but don’t let work rule your life.
Believe and let God take care of everything as He knows the plan.
I would tell my last year self to take each day one at a time and to let my emotions out, not hold them in after my Mom passed away. It does not get easy when you lose one of the most important people in your life, who was also your best friend, but each day I think of the happy memories we had together and how much she was apart of everything in my life and I am so thankful she was my Mom. 💖
I would tell myself to be calm! Take it one step at a time, one day at a time and things will fall into place! I had a lot going on this year and at times it became a bit overwhelming. Renovating my house was a big undertaking and it was a challenge.
I would tell myself to take better care of yourself, and not take everything so personally. Also, work on your goals more to make your dreams come true faster!
Be patient and deal with things one day at a time.
I would tell myself to not take everything so seriously and to not let people get to me, once I learned to not care so much I felt much happier.
I would tell myself: Don’t put off what you can do today. I’m a terrible procrastinator. I would say, call your family and friends more and go see them lots more. Prioritize the really important things, like telling them how much you love them, but also showing it to them too. A kind gesture and some homemade cookies can work miracles. 😋
I would tell myself that I need to not take everything so seriously and to not let life get to me as much. Take one day at a time and remember to breathe and to stop worrying about everyone else and start taking better care of yourself!
It will be OK. Just go with the flow.
I would tell myself to pay attention and take notes. Make sure the innocent are proven to be so
To slow down .
I would tell Jan 1, 2024 me to understand that 3 senior adult siblings tag-teaming to care for their elder 92 year old parent to
keep him in our childhood home for his final years, would be great, in theory. We thought we had it all under control. Well, Jan 1, 2025 me is now more realistic. 3 siblings will not always agree and all of us need to give ourselves grace in 2025.. 💜
Have patience. All things will work out the way it should.
Cancer can’t and won’t beat you! You are strong, resilient and brave. You never needed him, you held on for to long. Let the tears fall and know this is just a cleansing for better times to come.
I would tell myself, to have more faith and to not squander money on frivolous things that are unnecessary and will only bring temporary bliss. That leaving this life with a bunch of stuff that my son will only put in boxes in some storage unit is selfish of me to leave him to clean up. I’d remind myself that the thing that is worth more than money and material items are the experiences we share with those we love. I would tell myself to spend more time doing anything and everything I could with the people I love and those Im closest to and to slow down and really enjoy every minute, taking in every detail, and create as many memories for us all, as I can. Time goes so quickly so make every moment count.
Give grace to those who seem to not deserve it. We never know what a person is dealing with in their own lives.
To live more! Take time for yourself bc it’s gonna be a stressful year but it will be ok in the end!
I would tell myself not to stress, that things will be better. Just give it a little time and patience.You got this I promise!!
I would tell myself to take s breath and chill as things go the way they are supposed to. Need to relax and not stress so much.
To not stress relax and to save more money. And take time for myself
Oh this is hard one. I think I would tell myself to get ready for roller-coaster ride at work and be ready to dust off my resume but after 13 yrs with company it’s pretty hard to take that advice. Also, I would tell myself to spend more time with family as never expected to loose my cousin to a fast and aggressive cancer. This is why I decided to host a family holiday event this yr.
I would tell myself to create more art and be patient.
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Things have a way of working out. The ups and downs in life make you who you are
Wow! This one is thought provoking. I would tell my January 1, 2024 self to try that new side hustle sooner. I’m taking on a challenge in the new year but wish I would have started earlier. I’m a work in progress so 🤞🏼for 2025.
I actually don;’t know what I would have told myself. This year was a horrible year. I am still grieving the loss of my mother and it is not getting better. I miss her everyday.
Get ready to grow!
to push harder in my workouts
Jam-Pack your RRSP before the deadline.
I would tell myself to breathe…stop stressing so much about things you can’t control..
Stop overthinking things.
You are doing the best you can and stop hating yourself for not being perfect ou can’t fix everything.
Thankyou so much for the chance xx
Stay true to yourself and do the best you can!
That is okay to ask for help
I would tell myself that life is to short to worry about things. Take each day as it comes and strive to do what you think is the best way to go. Don’t regret your decisions, if I doesn’t work out, correct it but don’t fret it.
I would tell myself it’s ok to say no more often and to let go of people who are only in your life for what you can do for them. No matter how good a friend they’ve been in the past when things change and it becomes more of a stressful friendship than a relaxing one it’s ok to walk away.
I would tell myself to enjoy life more and take advantage of what I have and am able to do
Semper Gumby (always flexible) and be patient with yourself this year.
I would tell/make myself start yoga back up. I have Muscular Distrophy a nd yoga made me stronger, more balance and stronger.
I would tell myself to be more pro active about my health and not push it to tomorrow.
I would say be positive, stay focused and give yourself grace. Know that most things are temporarily and you should never lose faith
Have more patience.
Tell everyone you love them
Thanks for the chance
Push off more team manager responsibilities. Don’t drive yourself crazy.
I would tell myself to keep patient. Good things are on the way. Don’t rush or judge someone without giving them a chance first. Also be patient and not get so angry. Take a deep breath and wait a minute before speaking.
I would tell myself that it starts out a little rough. But it does get better!
Trust your gut, if something seems off it usually is.
I would tell myself to retire not to wait. You will be okay and your health is not worth it.
To not stress out, things will work out.
Don’t have a clue.
Take one day at a time take time out for yourself breathe. Overtime things will get easier. Many many struggles throughout the year will develop but you’re strong and you’ll get through them.
2024 was a strange year but the older I get, the less I worry. I realize that things will be the way they are meant to be and since you can’t control everything, just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. It’s worth taking and I’m grateful for the things I didn’t get. Those things would have me miserable
I would tell myself to take each day as it comes. I can’t change what’s ahead but I can change my response to it! Slow down and smell the roses they say. Honestly I’m discovering this is good advice! I love your answer thank you so much for the thought priming question! ❤️📚
Try to be happy.
2024 has gone pretty much as I expected. I would probably tell myself to not worry as much and to take time for my family instead of working late on thing that would still be there tomorrow.
Don’t move! Have patience. Don’t settle. Stand up for myself. Don’t let anyone dim my light. I matter.
I would tell myself to be happy and take each day as it comes.
I would tell myself to chill a bit more.
Work is important but I need to be my priority. Self care and overall wellness is easy to push aside but it is SO important. I’d been pushing off going to the Dr. for over a year because I was insanely busy. I finally went in September and after a bunch of testing was diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately it was entirely treatable with surgery which I’m currently healing from, no chemo or radiation needed going forward. I’m so lucky and have learned the hard way that self care isn’t selfish.
I found out in early 2024 my aunt in England had been moved into a memory care facility. Had I had that information on January 1, I would have applied for my passport a lot sooner and gone out there earlier than August. I maybe got a few brief moments of clarity with her in the five days I was there visiting her every day. I was still thrilled to go and so grateful to be able to spend time with her, I just wish I knew sooner.
Get the most out of the year, go on more adventures with your son & avoid that one road on that one day you hit that pothole & had to replace your entire exhaust system!
Have patience and don’t force things to happen.
I’d tell myself it’s ok to say no and not feel guilty about it. Also that it’s ok to say goodbye to people that only need you or want you when you can do something for them.
I would tell myself to be prepared to evacuate instead stay for the scariest hurricane ive ever encountered in more than 30 years in Florida!
Where do I start this year has been maybe to make 25 better
If I knew then what I know now I would tell myself that working extra days and going above and beyond will get me no further ahead in any way. It just makes me tired and spiteful and makes the kids mad that I’m working extra days
I’d tell myself to stop letting myself be used by others. Friendships are reciprocal and not one sided. This year is going to be tough, but you’ll get through it.
I would remind myself to visit family more often. Especially the older members, because they will be gone one day. Miss you momma and daddy.
Spend time with family and friends. You don’t know how much time you will have with them.
I would tell myself to be more patient and you’ll get to where you want to be.
I would tell myself not to get so worked up about the small things.
I would tell myself to take more time off because I feel guilty when I am not at work so I am always there. I see other people take off all the time and need to start doing it just for my own health.
I would tell myself “stay calm and go with the flow. You have been through much worse. It may feel scary, but this nothing comparatively “
If I could see into the future I would tell myself to brace for it because 2024 will be an emotional roller coaster.. There will be death and pain but there will also be the miracle of a saved life. I would have told myself to turn off the news, go ahead and quit that terrible job, go for more hikes and don’t miss a single Happy Hour with the “girls”!
I would tell myself to be more careful on my spending. I know that sounds cliche but this past year I have wasted more money and energy and the stupidest things. I really wish i had been more mindful.
I would tell my self to not get so stressed about the little things….xo
Oh buddy. Hang on because this year is going to blow your mind and completely wreck you. Just hold on though. We were demolishing an old house and now you get to build a new one from scratch. Figure out what you really want and need in life and it will all turn out.
I live far from my family. I call them on phone more more more times and of course the winner lottery numbers :D:D:D:D
Don’t sweat the small things!
I would tell myself not to focus on the negative things that happen, we can’t change them, but we can grow and learn from them 🫶
I would just tell myself to stay in bed…it’s safer there
Be patient. Then dig deeper and be even more patient.
I’d tell myself take better care of myself.
I would tell myself that I am a wonderful mother and my kids love me no matter what. It may take time to get where I want to be but it will happen when it is meant to be and until then I need to work hard at what matters the most and that is my family.
PUT DOWN THE CHOCOLATE KEZA! Sound advice I should have listened too! 🤦♀️😅
I think I would tell myself to take more care of myself. To share the mental load more. And trust in my colleagues. They will always have my back
I would tell myself load your kindle stock up on purse snacks and just be patient this too shall pass.
I would have said to myself if I could go back – enjoy each moment to its fullest. Stay in the present, don’t worry about tomorrow, don’t hold on so tightly to the past, stay in the present and embrace it to its fullest. That is what I would say to my Jan 1, 2024 self and what I will say to myself on Jan 1, 2025.
You don’t actually need any more shoes.
I would say start saying money, this year is going to be the year of things breaking and expensive house repairs
I would probably say eat healthier, exercise more, work on yourself so you’ll feel better about everything in general!
I would tell myself to cherish the time with family and make the most of the time you have. If you are not happy in your job then make a change for the better, even if it’s scary.
It’s going to be a tough one. Relax and think it through. For once saving money isn’t the answer. Spend the extra and save the months of headache. Also everything goes wrong in a short amount of time. It’s still not done but you’ll get through it.
I would tell myself next year that it’s ok to let go and try new things and meet new people. You never will know what you’ll see or meet.
Merry Christmas 🤶 🎄
I would tell myself to be more present in the moment, save more money, and be kinder to myself.
I would not have left my old job for my current job. The grass is not always greener on the other side.
I’d tell myself to just keep breathing, everything will pass. It’s definitely been a rough year. November 2023 my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. It was a complete shock, he had no symptoms and we were just establishing a new primary care for him. He was only 49 at the time. In January my husband and I, and our 2 cats had to move for 3 months for his treatment to an extremely small unfurnished condo. We had an air mattress and a tv. We are extremely blessed to have been able to do it though. It was hard on all of us especially our cats. We got home the end of April. The end of May my mother in law (who we took care of and supported ) passed. We then had to hustle and get her house ready to sell before we had to go back for another 3 weeks of treatment. 2 weeks later one of our fur babies got really sick and a week later he passed. The week of thanksgiving we had a follow up with his oncologist and to our surprise we were blessed that the treatment is working!
I would tell myself not to worry so much about what certain people say about me , when they were only using me and pretending to be my friend for their own personal benefit
I would tell myself to try not to stress about the little things so much and to try to spend more time with friends doing fun things
I would tell myself to be more confident and not be afraid to go after new opportunities. Step up and show your worth. Don’t let others get in your head, you got this now go kick some ass in that GM suite. LOL
I’d tell myself not to stress over the small stuff and enjoy the moment. Also, HRT works
I would tell myself not to worry about my daughter’s and daughter in law’s feud and stay far far away from their harsh comments. It’s awful being in the middle.
I would tell myself to be kinder to myself. Everyone makes mistakes and life goes on. Everything will be ok in the long run.
Oh Gee that’s tough, after attending and supporting my sisters stillbirth of her baby girl (my baby niece, as a mama who had a stillborn son myself this was a big deal and bought my sister and I closer then we’ve ever been), I feel Like I have helped my little sis well. Perhaps I would advise myself to save up money to pay for the doula course I want to do to support more women through births like this, as I had hoped to get one of the few scholarships they offer every year but the ladies awarded them were announced a few days ago and I wasn’t one, so now I am not prepared for what to do next year because I haven’t got the dollarbucks to pay out of pocket, so with my youngest starting kinder and a bunch of free time I am twiddling my thumbs. So I would tell myself that, save up so I can enroll for next year even if I didn’t get the scholarship
Don’t expect too much, don’t go out of your way to do things for people
Don’t sweat the small stuff, save that energy for when you really need it.. always tell the people you love that you do as you never know what’s around the corner.
I would have told myself to stay on the path of weight loss and by now it would be in the past and I’d be a lot better off.
I would tell myself not to work so much – spend more time with the people who really appreciate you.
I lost my job last year and I would tell myself to just wait. My new job is so much better and losing my old job was the best thing that could have happened.
I’d warn myself that this year was going to be rough. And then tell myself to start doing more things for me, and not feel so guilty about it.
Be kind to myself it was a tough year of giving….
I would have been the opposite of you and taken more action. So many projects and instead of tackling them, I pushed them off. This will not be the case for 2025.
I would tell myself to follow my heart and everything is goi g to be great.
I would tell myself:
Go see Dad when he ends up in the hospital, everything starts fine but by the end of the week his oxygen drops and he will pass.
Visit Mom Diana more, she won’t recover from her hospital stays in January.
I’m sure there’s more but those are most important.
Make sure you take time for yourself.
Continue to be my true self & focus on those close to me who matter most. Don’t waste my energy worrying about others & their negativity.
I would tell myself to relax and don’t stress so much.
I hope everything gets better. Thanks for sharing.
Be more mindful each day and don’t worry about the future and things out of your control.
Get the help my youngest son needed earlier :-/
Don’t get your hopes up.
Life is going to throw obstacles your way. Stop worrying and live more
I would tell myself to get my husband to the doctor asap to have his kidneys checked. His symptoms started in January as a side effect of a virus but we didn’t realize they were a sign of kidney failure until he was hospitalized in June. Earlier intervention could have made a huge difference in our lives right now.
Don’t jump to conclusions and move out so fast
Just go with the flow.
I would tell myself that when you quit drinking you will feel better, be better and not regret it. Do it sooner than later. Sober Since June 1 2024
When the unexpected happens take it in strides and stay strong! Some things are out of our control, take deep breaths and make a plan. Eventually you will get through it
If you knew then what you know now… WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR JANUARY 1, 2024 SELF ON HOW TO HANDLE THE LAST YEAR? I would tell myself that :
1 – You’re still going to be unemployed for another year.
2 – This year is gonna look like a repeat of previous years, just breathe. It can’t last forever.
3 – Keep a going!
I would tell myself to put on your big girl pants and take the chance you can do it! I waited to long to make my move and leave my husband,state and job
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Just to go with the flow
I would tell myself to stop procrastinating! Just start! Just do something! This is the theme of my life…
I would have said don’t keep putting back what you should be doing today.
I would tell myself to slow down and enjoy life and spend more quality time with our family and friends.
Being in the hospital is like a reset button and you will gain the weight back. It will just take some time. Also you are stronger than you think.
I would tell me to take every moment with my mom, and to talk more with my daughter.
My advice that I would give myself is don’t get to stressed out because it will be hard for awhile and you will struggle but you will be ok because you will make it through and it’s ok if that’s all you did was survive that day or the whole year through. We have our own struggles.
Stay strong and positive, it will all be ok!!!😃
I would tell myself to relax and try to enjoy every moment. Even when not doing what I had planned. Finding the positive, if possible, makes for an easier, happier time.
I would loose weight. I would have encouraged my daughter to be more of an independent woman! Put myself first.
Be more active and enjoy the beautiful weather outdoors
I would tell myself to trust the process.
Budget better, start buying for Christmas earlier, USE YOUR PTO!
Don’t get worked up over things I can’t change
To be easy on myself and girl stick to your budget!!
I would tell myself to trust my instincts 100%, and not let others pull the wool over my eyes no matter how long I’ve known them or how persuasive they are.
Don’t stress over the little things
I would tell myself life is too short, so enjoy everyday to the fullest.
Save money for the end of the year. Be prepared for possible surgery (happened).
I don’t think anyone would be prepared to learn they have cancer and all the surgeries and treatments that followed. But I would have told myself to take it day by day and everything will be okay. Ask for help when needed and let your body rest. Everything else will work itself out.
I would encourage myself to establish better exercise habits so that I wouldn’t have had so many knee issues and would have maybe had better endorphin responses to all the chaos of 2024.
I would tell myself to let it go and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Treat certain people better than you did. Do more, that’s it, do more than what you have. Oh, and spend less!
My advice to myself would be you don’t need to put up with everyone else bullshit. If they push too much push back and stand your ground. You don’t have to keep the peace all the time
Watch out for the water on the floor in my sons kitchen so you don’t break your shoulder 😬
Have patience and acceptance that there are more things out of your circle of control than in it
I would tell myself to save up money because things are going to happen and my husband will be off work for 3 months. But I would also tell myself that those 3 months will be great because you’ll fall in love with your husband all over again❤️
I would say be patient and everything will turn out all right
To be kinder to myself. And just breathe.
Stop overthinking and make swifter decisions. Stressing for days is not the answer. 😅
Be yourself and do you!!
Take one day at a time, you will get through this like you always have .
Let go of the past!
Not to wait on certain things…
I would tell myself to enjoy every moment with the people I live like it my last and don’t sweat the small stuff
save more buy a new computer early, mine’s almost dead now…..
I’d tell myself to get out more and be social!
Keep working on your health it will pay off.
No advice, I would just hold my husband an daughter a little closer, tell them I LOVE them many more times and plan more of what to do without them,. Learning the hard way that tomorrow is not guaranteed so plan ahead even if you think your never going to need it because you just might.
Get organized and declutter
Do for yourself first. You can only do so much for others. Learn to make yourself a priority.
Spend more time with Mom.
Save as much money as you possibly can…. you’ll def need it in 2025!
I would tell myself to do a few things around the house to prevent the unforseen damage from hurricane Milton.
Breathe and take it one moment at a time.
I would spend more time with my mom. Now that she’s gone I just want to see her and talk to her one more time.
“She will be ok, give her space.”
Be patient with yourself, you won’t accomplish all you want to this year and that’s okay. Remember to breathe – grief isn’t linear and it’s okay to not know what to do. Move – don’t just schedule workouts, put them on your to do list. Be vocal – speak up.
That I am capable of anything I put my mind to
Don’t quit your job!!! I’d tell myself to stick it out until I found another one. Quitting your job before you have another one lined up is going to seriously screw up your year 😅
My advice to myself would be to have saved more money and to have NOT paid off my car loan so fast.
To breathe life is more important then work.
I’d tell myself to be more mindful of what I think and say. Put a space between my thoughts and mouth. Pause. Breathe. Think. And to slow the fuck down. Don’t rush. Be present.
To pay more attention to my daily diet and to do more pt for my knees!
I’d tell myself not to sweat the small stuff and to find the joy in each day.
I’d tell myself to pay attention to my surroundings and to budget better..
Don’t pet the sweaty stuff and don’t sweat the petty stuff!
I would tell myself that 2024 will be your hardest, you must take care of yourself so you can take care of others
You have a busy year, between wedding, babies and funerals. Make time for your enjoyment and peace of mind
2024, my years do overlap most of the time. I didn’t have any life altering choices. I enjoyed the moments with friends and family making memories. I would probably of did everything the way I did.
I would tell myself that work wise don’t let your guard down and don’t assume you’ve been in the industry for 27 years for a reason. As for life I would say budget and stick to it you want to move and buy a house this is the way to that!
Swim more
Worry less
Your Husband is gonna become Disabled at work. Save all your money now because The job dont care and your paycheck gonna be cut in half..
I would tell myself to start packing early for an unexpected move. Then I’d tell myself to ask for the floors in this new rental to be cleaned, especially the grout, the air conditioners to be cleaned, the air ducts to be cleaned (the house smells like weed when the air conditioner is not working like during the power outage from Hurricane Beryl and now when we need heat) and the fireplace to be set-up (it’s gas and has no logs) before signing the lease.
Spend time living in the now and enjoying it because you never know what will happen and just breathe.
Spend more time with my dad
I would tell myself to check in more frequently and more thoroughly with my mom, who passed in May of this year. Not only did I miss precious minutes with her, but I might have been able to circumvent some financial abuses from a sibling. I have had to do a lot of deep breathing and self-care these past few months.
Don’t get discouraged. You aren’t trying, your doing it.
I would tell myself that I am stronger then I think and I can get through anything!!!
I would tell myself to not panic, trust your gut, exercise more for your mental health and eat less crappy food that makes you feel bad about yourself afterwards.
Always treasure your loved ones.
Take that extra few seconds to say thanks
Take an extra thirty second giving people hugs
Try to always look on the bright side
Don’t let the negativity bring you down
And always always tell people you love them… you just never know ❤️
You’re going to gain all the weight you lost in 2023 so stop eating!!!! I swear food is the worst addiction.
Your mental health is more important than deadlines. Just do the best you can.
Work your butt off to get everything you’re wanting done before May because once May hits everything goes to shit.
I would tell myself to not take everything seriously, to let things go, and to not let people walk all over me and stick up for myself.
Took 4 months to find a job
Made that my focus.
I would have worked out more, and trusted my system.
I would have told myself to stay committed to my work outs. I would be in a much better place right now. But I’m getting back on track.
I would warn that it was going to be a rough hurricane season and to get better prepared.
Now that I look at last year, I see it as a gift. I wouldn’t tell myself anything, because life works out the way it does for a reason.
I would tell myself that you’re stronger than you think and you’ve got this!
Brace yourself
I would tell myself to believe in myself a little more, you’ve got this , speak up
I would tell myself to delegate some responsibilities sooner rather than later. I’m my mom’s caregiver and I tried to do it all and with my own health issues I was wearing myself out.
Last year was about healing, so I would have advised hibernating more & more self-care.
I would tell myself not stress about or overtime everything because it will all work out in the end.
I would tell myself to just enjoy life a little more and stop stressing over the things I can’t change.
I would go with my gut instinct and not buy that house! I hate the location! It is going back on the market.
Don’t let people walk all over you. Stand up for yourself
Managing your stress should be a priority – stress really destroys your health and you have to focus on that so much as it is killing you.
Just say no more!!! Be selfish a little more!! Dump the energy vampires!!
Don’t waste money on devices that are supposed to help get around without more research.
I would say grief has no time frame, slow down and let healing happen
Close your eyes, hope for hibernation. If it does’nt happen, smile and jump….
I would tell myself that you’ll be healthier by the end of the year, but I would warn myself to start my health quest sooner!
You are stronger than what you will face this year. Face these challenges with laughter, love and grace. You will make it through and be better for it.
Advise myself to let things be and don’t sweat things you can’t change.
I would tell myself it didn’t have to be hard. I could of done things to make it easier. I could of said no more. I have a right to my own sanity and self care. I matter.
I would tell myself to pay attention to how my body is feeling and not put off going to a doctor. The last week of January into February I ended up in the hospital. I was told that I was lucky that I went to the ER when I did or I wouldn’t be here today.
I would tell myself to not be so stressed and to go to the dr. When I’m starting to not feel well and not wanting until it’s intense.
Ford! I love FORD! So what I would tell myself is pay attention to the signs. They were all there. That way I would be in a better position now.
I would tell myself that life is wayyyyyy too short, so stop sweating the small stuff and try really hard to enjoy every minute!
I am generally pretty happy with how last year went. I would like to go back two years however and tell myself to stick with my new eating plan. Not get off course and stay the distance. If I had I would have reached my goal and I wouldn’t feel so bad about myself.
I would tell myself that life will get better and to not take it so hard.
To slow down and enjoy every moment you can. Life’s a challenge sometimes and we just need to breathe through it.
I will tell myself to stick with my weight loss plan. Whichever I choose this year.
I would tell my 2024 self to start meditating right away.
I think I would of said to myself. Don’t take early retirement. At least work part time. It can get very boring when everyone else is still working full time. I would also tell myself to listen to myself more instead of listening to everyone else.
Thank you for this fabulous opportunity .
Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 ☃️
Just stay calm Et it will be over in 365 days
Start drinking now… 🍷
Day by day, it’ll all work out fine. Don’t worry!
I would tell myself to quit thinking that my cancer might return and that I must do everything I want to do quickly. I want to be able look ahead and make plans for the future without wondering if I’ll still be here. I’ve always been a glass half full person. I will work on getting back to thinking that way. ❤️
Don’t stress out over the little stuff. It will work out in the end.
Haha oh geez. I guess I’d tell myself to hold on to some money for emergencies
My advice to Jan 1, 2024 me would be to stop putting things off and to take the course!
Jan 1 2024 I would tell myself to have knee surgery ASAP. Then I would have been able to do some of the things I love last summer.
To not procrastinate as much
buy a new car ealier
I would tell myself even if you work and get praise it doesn’t mean you will be awarded for it at Work. It is time to take control of your own life and your future and reply on other people to shape the future you want.
I would have told myself to not work myself half to death through the burning summer constructing a building that was going to end up getting flattened by the hurricane storms. So now I have to start over and do it again next year.
Be more organised
I’d let myself know that it was going to be a tuff year, but we’ve had worse. And that it was going to work out, just keep pushing through it all. That it would even end up being better in many ways, it’s just tuff getting there, but we would get there.
Don’t sweat the small stuff and don’t be so sensitive about things
I would tell myself to not stop exercising, there are some changes coming, and what you are asked to do is big! I would also tell myself that it’ll take awhile, but it’ll get done. Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄
Get up and do the best you can. It will all work out in the end.
Spend more time with my dad.
Self-you should of checked out any local organizations that needed volunteers or help to keep you busy after retiring. This first year of retirement has been very lonely. Looking forward to getting involved somewhere or somehow!
I would tell myself not to sweat the small stuff and to just enjoy life! Also, to focus more on mental health.
Self-the summer is going to be rough, but your family will be safe and anything lost is just stuff. You may want to get all those true first edition D&D books out of the basement though. They can’t be easily replaced!
I would tell disorganized Brenda to get her shit together because today was just absolutely crazy and stressful. I can’t continue like this.
I would tell myself to not be so hard on myself about my health issues. Be patient. And take the necessary time for myself to not overdue it and heal.
Enjoy life more! Just like last year, this one’s gonna fly by, and you never know how many you have left!!!!!
I would tell myself the next year is going to be rough with lots of doctoring. But , you have a great support system and he will love spoiling you. Spend as much time with the grands as you can. 😎💓
Don’t procrastinate til Summer – call the new therapist and make the appointment!
Treat everyday like a bonus day with my parents and let them know how much they mean to me.
I would tell myself to get out more, explore and get out of my comfort zone. The older you get the faster time seems to pass. Make the most of everyday, have fun.
I absolutely love your graphic design work.
I nearly lost my father this year so I would say don’t take family, or anything you value, for granted.
Buy the other camper! I live in an RV and I wish I had bought the 5th wheel instead.
I would tell myself to be patient with the people I work with. Voice my opinion instead of staying silent and not being quick to judge people. Have more sympathy for others.
To always have an open mind and remember that any day can be your last. Hold your loved ones close. Also to always believe in yourself. Even though it may be scary it may be what’s right for you and you may kick major booty in it!
I would tell myself to not stress so much. I had 3 surgeries since August and I stressed over each one but they turned out fine. Happy holidays Julie!
Start pilates earlier
To prepared myself for a rough ride. To get myself a job and start saving as much as I can.
I would tell myself to not stress. To take it day by day.
Listen to what your body is trying to tell you!!
Thank you & Merry Christmas!!
I’d tell myself that all those plans are nice, but they’re just plans. Things can always change. On my 44th birthday, had an ultrasound and discovered we were pregnant with a surprise 3rd after nearly a decade of losses and stress. I thought it was the start of menopause! Oopsies! Luckily, we have a great support system and hubs is retiring in just enough time to be a stay at home dad.
I would tell myself to brace for those heartbreaking moments that happen in healthcare and to take more time for self-care.
Same
Patience, and I love started my weight loss journey before 2024
Buckle up buttercup it’s going to be a bumpy year.
My advice to my new year 2024 self would have been to enjoy the ride. 2023 was a challenge which caused me to question most of this year. Granted it was a smooth year but after reflection I know I could have made it more fun.
You know it’s always worked out do you can trust it’s working out right now
Take my walls down a little faster. It was worth it in the end and I should have made it easier on him to get through my walls
I wouldn’t give myself too much advice, just because I try to live with no regrets. I would just tell myself to stay strong.
Take deep breaths, love as much as you can, stay strong, you can get through anything
Don’t think you have a lifetime to see them you never know when one will just disappear.
Love yourself first, you can’t be everything to everyone
Believe in your intuition. When you follow thise gut i dtunctd they never steer you wrong.
Don’t apologize for who you are!
I would tell myself, to not worry about the things you have no control over; enjoy each day, take deep breaths, and don’t stress the trivial things that will take place.
I’d tell myself to not sweat the small stuff and everything works out the way it’s supposed to. It’s a good thing to remind myself of often, but sometimes I need to hear it more. 2024 has been a big year, so not wasting time and energy focusing on little things would have been helpful.
I would tell myself to enjoy all the small moments. This year has been extra stressful for my family, so I have to remind myself to appreciate all of the good. One day at a time 🙂
To stay diligent and not let up for second. This applies to both work and home. I got too comfortable and it bit me in the butt!
I would tell myself to assert myself earlier instead of letting someone else rule or dictate my work life as it will rollover into my personal life. I would want to place myself into having better selfcare so that my immune system is not lowered and make it easy to get sick or to let physical anxiety symptoms show when I am overwhelmed.
You can’t fix him and you’re going to kill yourself trying. You’d be better off without him, no matter how difficult it may be.
I would tell myself to slow down and take it a day at a time. Not to worry or stress about what tomorrow will bring
Honestly, I would say don’t take that anniversary trip in October because things are really going to be tight until after next September. I would also tell myself that I need to be myself again and not worry so much about if my grown children are okay or if they need our help with anything now that they all have given us grandchildren. Of course, that also means I’m even more busy, because I babysit the youngest two every week, on different days, so have very little time for my husband and me and our pets and our house. And, definitely get more sleep so that I can do all of the above and still have time for my individual interests, i.e., Reading!!
Stay out of the doctor’s office when I just needed a checkup and not contracting Covid again because I went there.
I would tell myself to slow down and BE PATIENT!
You can do it. Everything will be okay.
If I could have given myself a message on Jan 1 of 2024, with the benefit of hindsight, it would be this:
Start sorting through things and giving them away much sooner! As it was, I ended up frazzled and stressed, trying to downsize quickly right before a move.
Sometimes you can’t fix things that go wrong in life. Just do your best.
Find another hobby besides reading.. something that gets ya outdoors..
biggest thing would be to remind myself and my family to get regular doctors check ups.
Continue to take better care of myself and my health
Get out and exercise more so hips and other things don’t hurt so much.
Everything will be fine in the end. Don’t stress about the kids
Slow down and be present. We did a lot of running between school, sports, and other outings. Now that we’re in December, I’m tired. I also feel like I’ve missed out on little moments with the go…go…go… schedule.
Hold on to your horses because life is about to fuck you in the ass with no lube! You need to go visit your parents’ oldest friends , because they won’t be around for too much longer. All you will have is the memories and those memories are going to start slapping you in the face trying to tell you something and you need to listen and remember how much fun you had. Whatever you do don’t back down from anything or anyone. Oh, and the twatwaffle that lives next door to you is not your friend!! The cuntsicle across the street is going to report you and you will be put in jail, but you won’t stay there but for an hour. Not all lawyers are crooked and one will save you. Remember it’s not your fault.Around August or earlier you will be living in your own apartment
I wouldtell myself to not stress over the small things and to rest more. ❤️
To stay calm relax and enjoy life and too stop worrying about everything
Budget better. You know hubby is accident prone and will most likely get hurt and be off work.
I would tell myself not to invest so much time and money on crafts. Half of it i don’t even use. But not to give up. You’ll find your niche and it’ll be worth it.
I would tell myself to just keep taking things as they come, don’t worry so much as theres nothing you can do. I would also say its going to go really fast, so enjoy the small things.
I’ve had a plan to refinish a bed and dresser that belonged to my husband’s great grandmother, which we’ve been storing for 20 years because I was scared to take on this thing that I had never done before. I completed the bed over the fall last year and had a friend spray it in his paint booth because I was terrified to attempt the polyurethane. When I completed the dresser he was too busy to spray it so months went by and the summer was too hot to even try to brush it. So, when it cooled down, I sucked it up and attempted it. It turned out much better than I would’ve ever imagined. So, my advice to myself would have been suck it up and just do it. Stop being afraid of not being perfect and trust yourself.
Plan better, save more, enjoy the year more
I would tell myself to slow down and take a deep breath!!
Just relax, don’t take it personal.
Be patient or you’ll end up being a patient somewhere.
You will find yourself again.
Travel, take that weekend or week long trip to any where.
I would tell myself to hang in there. You will get through the depression that’s had you in it’s grip for the past few years. At the beginning of 2024, it was my goal to fight to feel better and I succeeded even when I thought I would fail. I proved myself wrong and fought my way out of the darkness
I would tell myself to stop thinking I’m going to start “tomorrow” and start my diet sooner 😭
I would tell myself to convince my husband that we need to begin building the hay shed before summertime. Building in 100° weather is NO fun!
I would have told myself it’s ok to say no and think of myself first. Take time off and take care of me.
Be more patient!
I lost my mom, my 43 y/o neice to cancer, and my ex ( kids dad) to cancer. I would tell myself to spend more time with family, hug them more, tighter, and longer. I would record my mom talking – you dont know how much you wish you could hear their voice again until they are gone. I would have said yes to the family get together.
I would tell myself to buckle up because its going to be a roller coaster ride.
Be happy. Take more chances, apply to the jobs you weren’t 100% qualified for.
Trust your instincts more. Sometimes your first assessment of the situation is right.
Live life, don’t forget to live life. Things maybe hard in the moment but don’t give up. Things can change for the better in the blink of an eye.
Keep going. Don’t forget to breathe!
That everything is temporary, make memories with those you love now and don’t wait for tomorrow. You may not always have more time.
Talk less; listen more. Focus on family and loved ones.
Have more patience as many are struggling! And people need to chill out and stop taking offense to everything!
I would say, learn that no is a complete sentence.
The world is a shit show but you only got 1 life so you got to live it.
And yeah don’t bother trying to lose weight, it ain’t happening lol.
Make sure the house looks like a show room,abd fix the little things
Book in for the diagnosis and get medicated earlier it will help more than you know
I would say to myself- let my kids make their own mistakes, don’t push the college path they are not ready for it.
I would tell myself not to stress as much and to not hesitate when advocating for my kids.
Take everyday as it comes and not to let anyone dull your sparkle, and don’t let people take advantage of your kindness.
The advice I’d give myself, if I could, would be to “buckle up, it’s going to be your toughest ride ever. You will learn and grow and you are not alone. Lean on those you trust. You will be okay.”
I would prepare myself for the changes that came my way this year. Prepared my heart for the hurt that came and continued to come for months. It’s gotten to the point that I’ve walled myself off to a lot of it, but then I hate being unaffected, but here we are.
It’s going to be real tough, you’ll get through. But prepare yourself for some devastating hard times .
Don’t be afraid. Listen to the doctors. Anesthesia is mini naps, enjoy them. Nurses are your friends. Let them stare, they may not understand feeding tubes and picc lines. HOOK BACK UP, YOURE NOT DOING YOURSELF ANY SERVICE BY NOT TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF!(on that note, my IV bag is sitting right next to me staring at me rudely!!)
Pay attention to what he says verses what he does. Protect your heart
I would tell myself to take each day as it comes, that it was okay to to plan out different outcomes for situations but definitely not to obsess over them. I would definitely tell myself to take care of my health now and to quit putting it off until later. I’d also say to try to keep holding onto a positive outlook because the days are only going to get harder before I start seeing some bright light.
I would tell myself to relax more and take deep breaths. Enjoy my family more, worry less.
I would tell myself to just focus on what I can control.
Hmm to stop procrastinating on basic health needs.
I started the year stressed out due to waiting for a hearing for my disability claim, I would tell myself to calm down and try to stress less about the things it of my control. Thankfully it was approved in April.
I am not sure what advise I would give
Turn off the news and read more books.
Manage my finances better. Plan to do that for 2025 but only time will tell.
This year will be rough, with illnesses and deaths in family and friends, so relax and constantly expect the unexpected.
Expect things to go astray, don’t sweat the small stuff and don’t let anyone steal your peace. Things will happen that you have no control over, smile and enjoy the little things.
Just take it one day at a time. There is no rush to do everything at once.
This job may be overwhelming now, but by the end of the year you will love it and feel fulfilled.
You have been training to handle the tough stuff for many years. You got this! Always focus on what you can control and prioritize your mental health.
I would tell myself to try to stress less and enjoy life. Not everything has to be perfect and done all at once.
Give yourself love…
Changes are bound to happen that you’re not in control of, but that’s ok. The sun isn’t always meant to shine, but the clouds won’t block it out forever….
It’s been a rough year and I would tell myself not to be so hard on yourself and focus on your mental health and confidence.
Try to be less fearful about taking chances and just chill!
I would tell other myself to get her shit together better and to learn to do something new.
Just breathe. It’s all gonna work out okay.
The last three years were so tuff and you made it through and you will be strong but it is ok to not be ok and to let it out but you can’t do that forever.
Br prepared for anything. Life can change in an instant.
Don’t be so focused on what should be, and instead focus on what you can control as things come your way.
Mainly just to be patient & the cheesy line everyone has heard “everything happens for a reason, even if we don’t know what that reason is.” I lost a baby boy in my 2nd trimester but now I have a beautiful healthy baby girl. Does it hurt? Yes. Am I thankful I got a chance to still have a baby after the loss? Yes. So I’ll never know why. But, I still got the most beautiful rainbow baby.
It will be ok. Just don’t worry or panic.
I would tell myself to pack up your things in the house quickly. Have everything out so after your vacation you don’t have to go back and finish. Also don’t pack summer clothes for the U.K. just fall and winter.
Stop worrying about everything and just breathe it will work at in the end one way or the other!!!
I would tell myself to start a healthy routine now, and don’t wait. I spent so much of the year struggling with my weight and being uncomfortable that I would be doing so much better by now
Stick with that resolution at all costs!
To enjoy every moment we have with our loved ones because we never know when they will be gone.
I would tell myself to postpone the trip to British Isles until my back is better. I had a good time but mussed a lot due to back issues.
Patience, patience, patience and try not to want to kill your Husband. We built a new house.
Not to be so hard on myself while homeschooling my children.
I would tell myself “It’s gonna be very rough, but you’ll get through it.” I’m not sure how much I believe that right now but that’s what I would have said a year ago.
If I knew then what I know now, the advice I would give my January 1, 2024 self is: Be patient with yourself. Healing, especially from something like long COVID, takes time—more time than you might expect. It took over seven months to feel like myself again, and during that journey, it’s important to recognize that recovery isn’t linear. Don’t rush it. Take things one day at a time, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Trust that you’ll get there, and allow yourself the space to heal, both physically and emotionally.
Go to sleep! I really screwed up my sleep schedule at the beginning of the year & am now seeing the consequences on my body health & skin. It’s bad.
work much harder to consolidate change and to create barriers to chaos
I’ll say to myself: Don’t give a f**k. Because people doesn’t care of your health. Drink coffee,and you’ll be happier if, for once in your life, think of you firstly.
Speak Up!! There was something going on in the family and I suspected it. I didn’t speak up. Then when it all came out they said – why didn’t you say anything. Ugh trust your intuition.
Take everything in stride and don’t stress about the things I can’t change. Things will get better.
I would tell myself not to dismiss my instincts. I knew there was some sketchy stuff going on at work, and I should have been proactive and prepped for a change before it was thrust upon me. Looking forward to 2025 being a better year.
Well I’d tell myself to save all the extra money possible for the rainy day situation. I’d tell myself it’s got nothing to do with me as a person why I’ve been laid off again. I’d be nicer to myself and have all the confidence that I can do anything I put my mind to do.
Take things one day at a time. Thank you for the chance. Merry Christmas to you and Happy Holidays!
Just breathe—don’t stress about the things that I can’t control.
I would tell myself to listen to my gut more, don’t put up with people’s BS and don’t spend money when you don’t have too. If I was to listen to my gut more then some things that happened this year wouldn’t have been so bad if I would have just listened. I take to much BS from people and I shouldn’t and spending money when I really don’t have too or shouldn’t would put me in a better situation. Hopefully next year will be way better.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Take a breath and just keep going. You’re enough and you’re going be be okay!
I’d tell myself to just keep trusting the process. I’m a school nurse for an alternative charter school and we get lots of kids going through tremendously difficult circumstances. I’m grateful to be part of their healing and strengthening as they prepare to go out into the world. Sometimes it makes me question if I’m doing my very best or if I could do more, so if I were giving myself advice it would just be to trust the process and keep giving all that I can of myself to help these kids get to their goals.
To step back from our daughter and let her deal with her drug addiction and legal problems on her own because looking back she would have learned more if mom and dad hadn’t rushed in and tried to fix it all for her. She’s our only child and we just went with our first instinct and got lawyers and got her into 3 rehab programs. She didn’t learn anything because she really didn’t have to manage it on her own, but when I almost didn’t find her in time the 2nd time I had to use Narcan on her I fell into panic mode and stepped in and tried to fix everything. Things are slowly getting better because she now has a child she is putting before herself most of the time. Of course my husband and I have cushioned that for her also because we won’t let our Grandson suffer. Thank heaven for professional counseling, I have slowly gotten a back bone while still providing help but on our terms and not hers.
Read the news more
Start saving money you are going to need to repair the bathroom.
Try to take each day as it comes and don’t stress the little things. The house can always be cleaned later but the kids want your cuddles and love now.
That each day is a gift. I’ve been pulling away from my friends and family- trying to handle things on my own. I need to be more present in their lives and in my own.
I would tell myself to do more, think less.
I would tell myself to relax and enjoy life and my family
I would say, brace yourself, cause it was a crazy year. But also just go with the flow, it’ll all work out.
I would tell myself to really SLOW THE F**K down and enjoy the days. Nothing outside of what makes you happy is worth so much attention.
Don’t let the little things stress you out and get you down. Enjoy living in the moment because time flies by and you won’t get it back.
Choose your battles and don’t sweat the small stuff.
I would tell myself to just breathe and be patient.
Time really does help put things into perspective.
I would tell myself to brace for the hardest year yet, I’m you’re gonna loss friends and have a tough year, but you’ll make it.
I would have advised myself to keep my head down but my hopes up.
Don’t rely on other people. Accomplish things yourself
Just do you! Keep working hard and loving hard. Take the chances and opportunities that come your way. Be fearless, it will all work out in the end x
Take a deep breath this year is going to be hard, but you will get through it with dignity and grace.
I would say take more time for yourself and make sure to work on you. I would say use your time wisely and make each moment count. They are precious and not able to get back.
I would tell myself to be watchful of others’ intentions and just listen to my gut. I was in the middle of a huge life change, and everyone around me had their opinions on what was best for my kiddos and me. It was hard determining who was trustworthy.
Take more walks!
The winning Powerball numbers for the Saturday, April 6 $1.326 billion jackpot are 22, 27, 44, 52 and 69 and the Powerball is 9. Be sure to give Julie her cut.
I would tell myself to go to bed earlier so as not to be tired all day lol.
If you see a coat you like on sale don’t wait for the price to drop further 🙂
Thanks!
get more stuff done, it is only gonna get busier! 🙁
Take everything with a grain of salt. You will cry a lot. And I did.
I would tell myself to take a deep breath. It’s gonna be a bumpy ride but you will survive it. (Also, watch out during tropical storms. Accidents happen, lol)
I would tell my 2024 self to trust myself more and stop taking everything so seriously. Let’s see how 2025 plays out.
Not to take anything for granted and make the little moments count.
I would myself not to stress so much about things I can’t control and enjoy my time with my family and to remember to take more pictures.
It’s been a VERY expensive year so if I could, I would tell New Years me to squirrel away funds every paycheck
Preplan activities for my trip to Boston. I would have been better organized and it would have been a much better experience.
Stay strong- I guess… since I still have solutions that’s all I can think of right now
Listen to my intuition, especially when it comes to anything regarding my health situation…. And stop wasting time, effort, and energy on toxic people. Thanks again, Julie, for this amazing giveaway, and for the opportunity!! Happy Holidays!! ❤️🎄
Make more time for me and my husband. We vacationed alone for the first time in 8 years and it was so refreshing for our marriage. We are now putting more effort into date nights and spending alone time together without the kids.
I’d tell myself to let go of the little things. Be present everyday and show up to enjoy the moments of life. Also to tell the ones you love that you love them often.
Use your vacation days earlier in the year….
That there is a friend in your life who creates problems for you, lies all the time, is jealous , and you have to do something about it at some point.
To get son diagnosed and on medication sooner.
Don’t stress the small stuff!
Trust God. He’ll see you through.
Don’t stress when work slows in the beginning of the year. Don’t worry about finding the perfect preschool. Get your taxes done on time.
Whatch what you spend, 2024 is going to be an expensive year.
Move and never live near a creek again!!!! When your daughter begs you to go to her house to ride out the possible flooding just go, don’t hesitate. She was pretty smart to get me away from our house so always listen. Thank God for your family everyday. Mine were all out in a flood working with the fire dept and not knowing till it’s over is not a thing you want to go though.
I would tell myself to stick to my prehab exercises.
This year will be hard but you will survive!
I would say don’t take so much advantage of taking time away from work. Taking 3 or hours away didn’t accomplish anything and just depleted the time I have accumulated for the extended vacation I want to take.
I would tell myself to relax more, not overthink and to take each day step by step – I spent majority of the year a complete stress ball that increased my anxiety and caused me so much discomfort. I was finally comfortable enough to seek help and I’ve managed so well over the last few months.
It’s ok to say no and stand your ground.
My son has hyperthyroid, tachycardia, and thyroid eye disease and I feel like I should’ve gotten him to a doctor sooner so he could be treated sooner.
Congratulations winners