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As the calendar turns to a new year, we find ourselves engaging in a ritual that is both hopeful and reflective: setting New Year's resolutions. These resolutions—often focused on self-improvement, health, or success—serve as signposts pointing toward who we aspire to become. But too often, they fade by February, buried under the weight of daily life and unrealistic expectations keep new years resolution.

In 2024, I’ve decided to approach resolutions differently—not as rigid goals but as themes rooted in personal growth. I call them the Three Trinities for the year: Books, Miles, and Matters of the Heart. These aren’t mere checkboxes or metrics to measure success; they are guiding lights, each representing a sphere of life that deserves continual nurturing and attention.

Let’s dive into what these trinities mean and how they’re shaping my approach to a more intentional, grounded, and fulfilling year.

I. Books: Expanding the Mind, Nourishing the Soul

In a world dominated by rapid scrolling, shrinking attention spans, and constant noise, reading books remains one of the most powerful ways to grow. Books are not just vessels of information—they are companions, challengers, mirrors, and maps. They can disrupt your worldview, offer solace, and introduce you to perspectives that stretch beyond the borders of your current self.

For 2024, I’ve committed to reading three types of books, each representing a different layer of intellectual and emotional development:

1. A Book That Challenges Me

This is the kind of book that makes me uncomfortable—in the best way. Maybe it’s philosophical, politically provocative, or steeped in a worldview vastly different from my own. The point is to stretch, not to agree. In 2024, I’ve chosen “The Righteous Mind” by Jonathan Haidt, a profound exploration of moral psychology and why good people can disagree so deeply on political and ethical issues.

2. A Book That Comforts Me

There are books we return to like old friends—familiar stories that cradle our anxious minds. For this, I’m revisiting “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown. It's a reminder to let go of who I think I’m supposed to be and embrace who I am. In times of uncertainty or self-doubt, books like these act as emotional touchstones.

3. A Book That Teaches Me

We never stop learning, and in a rapidly changing world, the hunger for knowledge is a form of survival. Whether it's learning a new skill, diving into history, or understanding technology, educational reading keeps the mind agile. This year, I’m exploring “Atomic Habits” by James Clear again—an instruction manual for reshaping routines and making small, sustainable changes.

These three books are not ends in themselves but springboards. They serve as daily nudges reminding me that personal growth starts from the inside out, beginning with what we choose to fill our minds with.

II. Miles: Moving the Body, Exploring the World

The second trinity is about movement—literal and metaphorical. In 2024, I want to measure my progress not in pounds lost or steps counted but in miles covered. This represents both physical well-being and the spirit of exploration.

We live in our bodies every day, yet it's easy to take movement for granted until injury or illness reminds us of its value. For me, committing to miles means actively choosing to connect with my body, nature, and surroundings.

1. Miles Run or Walked

Whether it’s morning jogs or evening strolls, logging miles on foot is my way of grounding myself. There’s a meditative quality in walking that clears the mental clutter. My goal isn’t about pace or distance; it’s about consistency. Each mile becomes a moving meditation—a moment to process, decompress, and be present.

2. Miles Traveled

Travel, whether across oceans or just a few towns over, has a way of reawakening wonder. In 2024, I aim to travel not just for leisure but for learning. A weekend hike in a new national park, a cultural festival in a different city, or a solo trip abroad—these miles expand my world, reminding me how small I am and how big the world is.

3. Miles Toward a Personal Goal

Not all miles are measured physically. Some are metaphorical—the long, slow progress toward a dream. Whether it’s a creative project, a new business idea, or learning a new language, I’m counting these efforts as part of my "miles." Every hour spent honing a craft or building something meaningful is a step on a long but worthy journey.

In tracking these miles, I’m learning to celebrate movement, not arrival. Growth is often invisible, quiet, and slow, but it accumulates like steps on a long road.

III. Matters of the Heart: Deepening Relationships and Emotional Awareness

The final trinity may be the most abstract but also the most essential: matters of the heart. If books feed the mind and miles strengthen the body, then relationships and emotional well-being nourish the soul.

In our pursuit of goals, we often neglect the quiet spaces of the heart—our connections, our capacity for empathy, our ability to sit with discomfort and grow from it. In 2024, I’m making space for emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and connection.

1. Love—In All Its Forms

This isn’t just about romantic love. It’s about love as a practice: showing up for family, maintaining friendships, and nurturing compassion for self. I’m making an effort to reach out more, to say “I love you” without hesitation, to write letters instead of just texts. In a world where loneliness is epidemic, love becomes a radical act.

2. Forgiveness—Letting Go to Move Forward

Forgiveness isn’t about excusing harm; it’s about freeing myself from the grip of resentment. Whether it's forgiving someone who hurt me or asking for forgiveness when I’ve failed, this process is messy, but transformative. One of my resolutions this year is to engage in honest conversations—to choose reconciliation when possible, and peace when it’s not.

3. Presence—Living the Moment Fully

We’re so often distracted—by phones, by future plans, by anxiety. This year, I want to be here. Whether I’m eating dinner, spending time with someone I love, or sitting quietly alone, I want to be in it. Presence is one of the most valuable (and undervalued) gifts we can offer ourselves and others.

Matters of the heart don’t fit neatly into a planner. But they’re the soil in which everything else grows. Emotional health, connection, and inner peace are not fringe benefits—they are the essence of a life well-lived.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to the New Year

The Three Trinities—Books, Miles, and Matters of the Heart—aren’t just themes; they’re reminders of the balance I seek in 2024. They encourage me to:

• Think deeply (Books)

• Move intentionally (Miles)

• Feel fully and connect meaningfully (Matters of the Heart)

By framing resolutions through these trinities, I avoid the binary trap of “success” or “failure.” Instead, I embrace a spectrum of growth that allows for curiosity, experimentation, and even failure. Because growth isn’t linear. It’s cyclical. It spirals, deepens, and sometimes retreats before blooming again.