New Year's for Men: Carpe Diem 2.0

For the gentlemen embarking on a year-long adventure, behold "Carpe Diem 2.0" — a meticulously crafted 12-month plan that weaves together the enduring allure of action and sports with a dash of refinement. Catering specifically to the more discerning tastes of mature individuals, each month unfolds a thoughtfully curated fusion of physical and mental engagement. I hope the more masculine among us will enjoy immersing themselves in these activities tailored to provide a year rich in more meaningful experiences and personal evolution. For this list, the adventurer should grab a simple photo album booklet that has at least 12 slots and take one picture representing accomplishing each month's task.

January: Tenets of Martial Arts - Jump into the New Year and get inspired by learning the philosophy and discipline of a martial art. Consider Tai Chi (study out monk Zhang Sanfeng) or Aikido (research founder Morihei Ueshiba) for a mindful approach. The Core Objective of this Month: to cultivate inner strength and resilience. Take a picture to represent you accomplishing this goal.

 

February: Holistic Health Kickstart - Establish a balanced fitness routine to invigorate your body type. Explore nutritious recipes and embrace mindful eating habits. In 2024, we stop neglecting our health. ❤️ You could also take up gentle yoga or meditation to add to your holistic health approach. The Core Objective of this Month: laying the foundation for a healthier and more energized lifestyle. Take a picture to represent you accomplishing this goal.

March: Tactical Mindset - Explore strategic thinking through chess, Risk or other mind sports. Attend a lecture on strategy or read a book like "The Art of War" or Bear Woznick's, "12 Rules for Manliness: Where Have All The Cowboys Gone?" The Core Objective of this Month: to sharpen your strategic thinking skills. Take a picture to represent you accomplishing this goal.

 

April: Outdoor Explorations - Engage in some type of new outdoor activities you’ve never tried before. Need ideas? How about: Frisbee golf, pickle ball, paddle boarding. For a more relaxed outdoor experience try nature walks or bird watching. The Core Objective of this Month: to step out of your comfort zone and foster a sense of adventure and resilience while getting some fresh air. Take a picture to represent you accomplishing this goal.

 

May: Aquatic Serenity - Enjoy calming water activities like fishing or sailing. If those are not readily available, then watch movies with serene aquatic scenes. Another option could be to watch YouTube videos with ocean relaxation sounds and explore praying-meditation. The Core Objective of this Month: to find some tranquility, relaxation, and develop a more peaceful state of mind amidst life's demands. Take a picture to represent you accomplishing this goal.

 

June: Tech Detox - schedule in a tech detox this month; maybe a whole day/weekend. Take up a non-tech hobby like building a model, woodcarving, or whittling. The Core Objective of this Month: to disconnect from tech and allow more space for introspection and imagination so you can have a better balance between the virtual and real worlds. Take a picture to represent you accomplishing this goal.

 

July: Legendary Athletes - The 2024 Summer Olympics take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024! Now's a great time to study out legendary athletes that inspire you or even research a current athlete that will be attending the summer events. Bonus idea: Organize your own friendly sport-themed gathering with friends. The Core Objective of this Month: to draw inspiration from athletes that apply determination and discipline to their goals and challenges. Take a picture to represent you accomplishing this goal.

 

August: Retro Gaming Retreat- Have a classic board game or retro video game night at your home or a local facility. Build new gaming memories with your kids, or share gaming fun with friends and family. The Core Objective of this Month: to build connections through shared nostalgia, creating memories and embracing a simpler time. Take a picture to represent you accomplishing this goal.

 

September: Mentorship Discovery - Dedicate this month to exploring some mentorship opportunities or seeking therapeutic support. Whether you connect with a mentor in your field of interest or embark on a journey of self-discovery through therapy, prioritize personal growth and learning. The Core Objective of this Month: to gain new and valuable insights, guidance, and a deeper understanding of oneself while fostering positive development and well-being. Take a picture to represent you accomplishing this goal.

 

October: Resilience Revisited - Use this ChatGPT prompt, "Will you write a quick summary about how I was resilient in my life during ______. input your personal example. Soak in that encouragement! The Core Objective of this Month: to reflect on your own personal resilience and recognize in a concrete way the strength you've gained from overcoming adversity. Take a picture to represent you accomplishing this goal or print off what ChatGPT wrote.

 

November: Cultural Immersion - Immerse yourself in a new culture/study out a new culture. Try cooking a dish from a different culture or attend a cultural event in your community. The Core Objective of this Month: to broaden your perspectives and understanding for those different than you. Take a picture to represent you accomplishing this goal.

 

December: Reflective Lens - A Visual Chronicle of the Year - Reflect on the year's experiences. Cap off the year by embarking on a photojournalism project. Take your captured moments from each month and create a visual diary. Write a short description and what you learned with the images as you compile them. The Core Objective of this Month: to celebrate the year you've had and all the different, unique things you tried. 

I hope that you've found this monthly breakdown enjoyable, well-paced, and a diverse journey! Happy new year.

New Year's Enchantment: Embracing Disney-Heroines Adventures

Roses from my garden

Take a look at another themed New Year's aspirations list by stepping into a year of enchantment inspired by the spirit of Disney heroines. Each month brings unique activities that mirror the courage, kindness, and adventures found in these beloved characters. This New Year's themed option is all about infusing new activities each month so that you have a well-rounded year.

January - Mulan Background: Mulan is brave and resourceful, disguising herself as a man to fight and save her father. Aspirations:

• Set a goal that challenges your gender role and learn about a traditionally male-dominated skill. Examples: woodworking, coding, something about your car
• Embrace your inner warrior: try self-defense, martial arts, or Tai chi.

February - Belle Background: Belle is a bookworm and an advocate for kindness. Aspirations:

• This month, read a classic book. Need a suggestion? "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho
• Practice random acts of kindness throughout the month.

March - Tiana Background: Tiana is hardworking and determined to achieve her dreams. Aspirations:

• Set a financial goal and review your budget for areas of improvement.
• Learn to cook or try one new dish from a different culture.

April - Pocahontas Background: Pocahontas is a character connected to nature and promoted harmony. Aspirations:

• Take care of some nature around you. Volunteer to do a local clean-up or go along your street and pick up trash one afternoon.
• Learn about a local indigenous culture in your area.

May - Ariel Background: Ariel is curious, adventurous, and willing to explore new worlds. Aspirations:

• Plan a trip: to an aquarium, or visit a beach/lake, or since Ariel collected trinkets try explore an antique shop!
• Learn a new skill, like a musical instrument or a foreign language.

June - Cinderella Background: Cinderella is resilient and maintains hope even in adversity. Aspirations:

• Read "Cinder" by Marissa Meyer - a very modern take on Cinderella.
• Cinderella's story revolves around the ball; learn a new dance/ even try one on TicTok.

July - Moana Background: Moana is a determined explorer who finds her own path. Aspirations:

• Plan a road trip to a new, local city this month that you've not visited before.
• Try your hand at water-based activities like sailing or kayaking; or go swimming.

August - Jasmine Background: Jasmine values freedom and independence. Aspirations:

• Challenge your biases. She did not let Aladdin's social status cloud her view. This month, engage in one conversation with a stranger that is different from your daily interactions.
• Read Arabian Nights. It has several stories and is where the story of Aladdin is featured.

September - Elsa Background: Elsa has a journey of self-discovery and embracing her uniqueness. Aspirations

• Do a mindset shift challenge. Identify a limiting belief or negative thought pattern and actively work to shift your mindset toward more positive and empowering perspectives. Here's how: Thought Transformation Guide .
• Check in with yourself each week to see how it's going.
  

October - Merida Background: Merida is a skilled archer and a symbol of independence. Aspirations:

• Learn about Celtic knots and consider learning to tie Celtic Heart Knot.
• Explore a cultural festival or event in your area.

November - Rapunzel Background: Rapunzel is resourceful and creative, using her long hair to navigate life. Aspirations:

• Let's try a new recipe! To be on theme, create your own Hazelnut soup. Here a recipe to try. 
• Try a new hairstyle or self-care hair routine.

December - Anna Background: Channel Anna's warmth and openness by connecting with your loved ones. Aspirations: 

• Inspired by Anna's adventurous spirit, build a snowman if it snows...if no snow, create this cute sock one from Darkroom & Dearly.
• Sometimes holiday's are hard and stressful. To battle that, embrace the joy of the season and create a magical moment for yourself by planning a self-care day.

S.T.E.P. into Prepping: A Jumpstart Guide for New Preppers

The beauty of preparedness lies in its ability to transform fear into empowerment.

I've come to truly appreciate the calm that stems from being well-prepared for different types of emergencies. I’m not talking about doomsday scenarios, but rather real-life emergencies like fires, tornadoes, financial challenges, or staying calm in chaos. Here are some basics.

S-Stockpile: Each time you shop, buy one extra item. For example, buy three cans of beans instead of two and store the extra in your pantry. This simple habit helps build your backup stash without breaking your budget. You don’t need a huge stockpile—a modest backup is often enough to get through some tough times. Pro-tip: Foods like lentils may be on sale for a great price however if you don't like them, then don't stock them. I learned that your pantry should hold foods you actually enjoy otherwise you don't choose them. The best choice is items that you'll actually eat so that your pantry "rotates" easily to avoid waste.

T-Tailored Plan: Plan for your family's needs. Quick-grab packs for each family member are easy to put together! There are two main kind: bug-out bags & get-home bags. So figure out which one you might need more. Imagine these bags having your essentials for a speedy exit from your home or to your property. They might include spare outfits, hygiene items, comfy shoes, and perhaps some snacks. And don't forget a pet-friendly emergency bag with food and collapsible bowls.

E-Essentials: Organize critical documents – insurance, wills, medical records – in one grab-and-go binder. In case of the unexpected, you'll have all the essentials right at your fingertips. Include photos of everyone in the family—including your beloved fur babies. To ensure an added layer of security, avoid labeling the binder as containing important documents – it's a smart way to keep your preps discreet and safeguard them.

P-Prepare: Easy items to get!

• At home: Keep a flashlight by your bedside, store spare water bottles under the sink, and invest in a solid tool kit. We also keep a key to shut off the water supply in case of a leak. Most people don’t have a fire extinguisher, so consider a small, easy-to-use one. A tip I love: store medications in a portable toolbox. It’s great for emergencies and easy to take on road trips, so you never have to buy what you already have at home.
• In your car: Have an extra pocket knife, a little cash, gloves, little first aid kit, water, blanket, trash bags and a jump start kit at the very least.
  

Side note: Everyday Carry (EDC)
Though most EDC videos are geared toward men, women need to be prepared too. Although not as common, consider carrying a small waist knife. It's versatile for everyday tasks and unexpected situations. I’ve surprised coworkers by using my pocket knife instead of searching for scissors—it's both a tool and a safety measure. Also, if it feels right, consider becoming licensed to carry a firearm. Proper training is essential. One important thing to consider if you are a woman, is to make sure you can rack the slide. People may try to sell you on something more powerful but often we don't have the hand strength. It's got to work for you and being comfortable is essential.

If you have questions, let me know. Otherwise, in a nutshell, prepping empowers you. You've got this!

New Year's Regency Resolutions: Pride & Prejudice Theme

The next New Year's idea is based on the refined world of Pride and Prejudice. Inspired by the characters and themes of Jane Austen's masterpiece, embark on a journey of personal growth and discovery throughout the months ahead. Much like the characters who navigate the social intricacies of the Regency era, let the new year be a canvas for your own story. As you weave the threads of classic literature into the fabric of your life, anticipate a year of refinement, self-reflection, and the cultivation of virtues that stand the test of time.

January - Elizabeth Bennet Background: Elizabeth is known for her quick wit, sharp intelligence, and independent spirit. She often uses her intellect to navigate social situations. Activities:

• Read something that Elizabeth may have been reading in the early 19th century. One idea is "The Corsair" by Lord Byron.
• Arrange a traditional Regency-era gathering focused on intellectual or literary discussions over refreshments

February - Mrs. Bennet Background: She is known for her preoccupation with finding suitable husbands for her daughters given the societal norms of her time. She constantly sought opportunities to connect with others and foster relationships. Activities:

• Volunteer at a local shelter, or consider hosting a small get-together people make Valentine cards for nursing homes residents.
  
• Enjoy a lighthearted movie night this month. If you are up for it, consider romantic movies with a focus on matchmaking. Ideas: Hitch or even Clueless, which I've read is actually a modern-day retelling of Jane Austen's "Emma." If you are not feeling a rom-com then try The Breakfast Club or Guardians of the Galaxy as a focus on friendship and "found" family.
  

March - Jane Bennet Background: Jane is often seen as the epitome of grace and patience. Activities:

• During the Regency Era, people often strolled for "promenades" so this month plan to take 1 stroll each week.
• This month, thank an essential worker for hard work, dedication, and patience they must have in their work. (nurse, food service, custodial etc)
  

April - Mr. Bingley Background: Mr. Bingley is amiable and sociable. He and Mr. Darcy had a close friendship. Activities:

• This month, reach out and strengthen one of your own social connections or friendships.
• The upper-class in the 19th century enjoyed evenings of games and gambling. Host a night of trivia, bowling, poker, or other games. If you are introverted and that is not your cup of tea, then have a simple Pride & Prejudice watching party. 

May - Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy Background: Mr. Darcy is reserved but ultimately kind hearted. Initially he is perceived as proud and aloof but he undergoes a transformative character arc, revealing a complex and honorable nature. Let's dig deep this month. Activities: 

• "Darcy Reflections Jar/Journal" Spend time writing down your recent personal growth, positive changes, or times you've overcome prejudices and how you’ve evolve into a better version of yourself.

• Create a personal development manifesto.

June - Charlotte Lucas Background: Charlotte is practical and down-to-earth. She was excited about having her own home to manage and excelled at this responsibility. Activities:

• This month, take on a home improvement project or organize your workspace for better efficiency.
  
• Set and work toward one new practical life goal. Some areas to consider could be: fitness, wellness, professional development etc.
  

July - Lady Catherine de Bourgh Background: In the Regency era, music and outdoor games were popular entertainment, especially during social gatherings and garden parties. Lady Catherine likely would have participated in some of these. Activities:  

• In the Regency-Era; Lady Catherine would like enjoy the strategic elements of some games. This month, play croquet, checkers or chess with someone

• Since she asked Elizabeth to play the piano forte; relax quietly sometime this month and listen to the movie soundtrack song, "Mrs. Darcy."
  

August - Mrs. Garner Background: Mrs. Gardner is portrayed as a sensible and caring; she joined Elizabeth on a visit to Pemberley.  Activity:

• This month plan a cultural outing or trip. In the Regency Era, it was common that visitors toured large estates, like Pemberley and be shown around the grounds to showcase wealth and status so find a historic estate in your area to tour. You can search online or visit websites like the National Trust for Historic Preservation
  

September - Mr. Collins Background: Mr. Collins is often humorous and oblivious. Despite his flaws and comedic portrayal in the movies, Mr. Collins represents a certain social and professional working class in the context of early 19th-century England. Activities:

• Embrace humor! Have a dinner with someone where you each bring 3 jokes to share.
• Jot down funny moments this month or things that make you chuckle. You'll be surprised how much we forget in just a month. Review the list at the end of Sept.

October - Mr. Wickham Background: Despite his charming and affable exterior, Wickham reveals himself to be deceptive, manipulative, and untrustworthy. He spreads false information about Mr. Darcy, and his pursuit of financial advantage through deceitful means further underscores his negative character traits. So instead we will:

• Make sound financial decisions this month and save extra cash. Also, review your budget.
  
• Spend time watching videos with a focus on honesty and integrity in personal and professional life. Here's a cute one on integrity: When Nobody's Watching
  

November - Miss Georgiana Darcy Background: Georgiana, Mr. Darcy's sister, is portrayed as kind and musically talented. Activities:

• Georgiana was incredibly kind and warm to Elizabeth Bennett. Share your gratitude to those around you. Need ideas-- How about a neighbor?
  
• Explore a new creative hobby or artistic endeavor (painting, drawing, sculpting, musical instrument, singing lessons)

December - Mr. Bennett Background: He often appears indifferent but his decisions ultimately highlight the importance of family, wisdom and the impact we leave behind. Activities:

• Create a family legacy page/book and record personal wisdom, family's history, stories, and traditions. Include photographs when possible.
• Look into creating a financial plan for your retirement. Never too early! 

If you didn't catch the 1st one in the series, here's a link! LOTR - New Year's Quests of Intention