It is that time of year when we tend to reflect. We reflect on last January’s goals: did we accomplish them? We reflect on the things that either happened to us or us happening to those things. We also reflect on past relationships, jobs, and our very selves.

This year, I have been reflecting more than ever—even on things that technically didn't happen in 2023. While driving to Pennsylvania, I listened to Mel Robbins’ podcast, "How to Make 2024 the Best Year: 6 Questions to Ask Yourself.”

I didn't realize I was asking similar questions when I first wrote this post. I love it so much that I am bringing these same questions to Wandering Bel!

Her first question was: What is your highlight of the year?

My friend, take a moment to really think of everything. Look at your photos, texts, meetings, etc. What are your highlights? Note every highlight, big or small.

Before returning to my old job in an office setting, I could sleep in and have slow mornings. Take walks. I was able to travel to England twice within 6 months. I even added 5 more countries during those same 6 months. I took a road trip to Colorado then spent two weeks there a few months later.

In my case, I experienced a life I longed for without knowing it because I was so focused on hitting a goal and then moving on. I never slowed down to enjoy what was happening.

That year or so also allowed me to try new foods in countries I have had on my vision board, chat with a lovely Englishman for 6 out of the 8 hours I traveled back from England, dance on a rooftop in Prague under a full moon, and, hell, even get a tattoo with a random guy in Denver.

When I returned to my old job, I gave a high-level person updates about the course I teach; I returned to Colorado and hiked the Manitou Incline while on a work trip. I was able to make a difference.

I celebrated my birthday and holidays with some of the most amazing friends that I had only ever dreamt of before.

I have witnessed some stunning sunrises and sunsets. I even met my future self.

Second Question: What were the hardest aspects of the past year of your life?

This could be any aspect: relationships, work, money, health, etc. Most of the time, our highlights also highlight the challenging aspects.

My hard part was returning to an office setting.

I was asked why I left when I returned to my old job. I told the story in-depth, and someone said, "It sounds like you took a sabbatical from life." I paused and thought, Indeed, I did. And in some ways, I manifested.

Have you ever created a vision board? They can be revealing. I have created one every New Year's Eve for the past few years, listing goals I want to accomplish that year or in the future.

I put down the word "rest" on my vision board. When I put that word down, I meant more sleep, compassion, and peace since I had one hell of a year in 2021. But the universe knew better than me. She gave me a little over a year of rest.

Another challenge is returning to an arduous morning commute rather than tripping over my cat. I didn't realize how influential that time was. I miss those slow mornings with their early walks, but I know I would not be the person I am now without that time apart. I want to be more in tune with my thoughts, feelings, and desires.

Yet another challenge I had was with friends and family. As I mentioned above, I know now what real friends are and how much I value them as friends. It is a true mind shift when people show up for you instead of you always showing up for others.

Pauses like the “sabbatical” I reference above or this fun recap with these questions allow you to teach/reteach yourself boundaries and how you want to be treated. They help you learn what real friends are and who you want to spend time with.

Question three: What did you learn about yourself over the past year?

There's a quote I fell in love with recently, and I have been using it while teaching aerial:

I thought I was a fast-paced girl who needed to do something all the time, had to jam-pack my day with 1,000 things, and had to work hard.

But my friend, I am not.

I learned that this past year. I have always fought against going slow. But now, I know that going slow is what I need for my mental health.

What about you? What was something you learned about yourself? What surprised you?

Question 4: What are the things you are going to STOP doing in the next year of your life?

Think about that one thing or some things you wish you didn’t do anymore. Self-doubt? Not allowing yourself to travel because of people? Or because of yourself?

Mine is trying. Trying with . . . people . . . relationships . . . career . . .

Hear me out.

I am that person who keeps trying until I get the results that should happen. But in 2024, I want to pull back and allow things to unfold, even if I don't like how they happen or if they feel like it's taking forever.

Another one will be not being present, whether that’s traveling and really being in the moment or wishing my current life away because I have to hurry to get to my next goal. There is a quote I am also digging: “Just remember 5 years ago, you dreamed about where you are now.”

So, friend, enjoy where you are because I am sure you worked your ass off to get there!

Question 5: What are the things you will CONTINUE doing in the next year of your life?

What are you doing for yourself right now that you know will help in this year to come? Are you dating yourself? Are you listening to your intuition?

Seize every chance to continue doing it.

I want to go SLOW. Slow, baby, slow.

I want to create more, more stories, more ideas, just more creativity!

Also, travel! There are some BIG trips starting in February until summer between work and personal, and I'm so excited since I have never been to some of these trips.

Question 6: What do you want to START doing in the next year of your life?

Think about anything in your life. You could start saving money or restart a hobby.

Start to TRAVEL!

Date yourself!!

I want to start changing how I travel this year. Instead of packing 1,000 things in one day, do 100 things.

I want to take myself out on more dates and reground myself rather than waiting until I am a mess.

I also want to start playing in nature again.

Wrap Up

I hope these 6 questions helped you recap your 2023 and find direction for 2024. Really dig deep into your answers. I answered more in-depth than I provided here, but I hope these answers are a guide for you in 2024.

Remember . . .

Slow down.

Ground yourself.

Travel.

Take yourself on dates.

And let's go on an adventure, shall we?

With so much love and gratitude,

Wandering Bel

6 Life Questions for a Solo Traveler in 2024, Inspired by Mel Robbins