LUCY BURDETTE: It’s New Year’s Eve, and I’m sure you’ve got better things to do than answer serious questions. Like get your black-eyed peas ready or drink champagne? However…you can make them quick!
1. What might you want to leave in darkness as we move into the days of more light?
2. What do you want to bring forward with you into the New Year?
My #1 would be anger and hatred and negative news. For #2, I’d like to be kinder and more patient!
Reds? Over to you!
RHYS BOWEN: last year’s health worries. We started the year with radiation and knee surgery and ended it with all those doctor appointments.
I’d like to bring forward enjoying the small things every day like the view from my balcony or my cup of tea and a good cookie in the afternoon.
JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I feel I’m ending the old year on a good note - my children are all healthy and happy, I have a new daughter in law that I love, I’ve been held up and helped out by friends, and I finished both the manuscript and its edits. So, leave behind? Dithering. When I need to do something, I do, and it feels so good! I want to banish the faffing about I do when I’m feeling anxious about work and, as Nike says, Just. Do. It.
Take with me into the New Year? Time spent with family and friends. In the end, that’s what it all comes down to.
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Leave in darkness: The world’s dogmatic inflexibility and stupidity and cruelty. We have too much of that.
Bring forward: Good health, definitely. Optimism, confidence, and I know this is strange, but I’d love to have more…carefree fun.
HALLIE EPHRON: Leave behind? Definitely health issues. I DO NOT WANT TO GET ANOTHER BOUT OF COVID OR BIRD FLU or whatever new scourge gets unleashed.
Bring forward: Watching my grandkids do their goofy stuff and not boring other people by going on and on about it. Also finding new friends: I’m in the market for them, so watch out, and cherishing the ones I have. They’re my lifeline in these crazy times.
DEBORAH CROMBIE: Leave behind? Health issues!! This has been a one-thing-after-another year and I am more than ready to move past it! Also, enough of the all the hatred and outrage. World events may well be deserving of the outrage, but my little physical self cannot be a vehicle.
Bring forward? Doing my bit to make the world a little better, like donating to folks who actually CAN make a difference. I want to enjoy nature and my friends and family more, especially my darling granddaughter who is growing up so fast!
JENN McKINLAY: Leaving behind? Sugar (sob). My labs just came back and I'm still pre-diabetic (my numbers suddenly spiked last year and rose again this year) and I'm now teetering right on the brink of diabetes. I rarely drink alcohol, I loathe soda, I drink my coffee black, so it's my life long candy addiction that is coming for me.
Bringing forward? New activities (paddle boarding) and adventures (a research trip to London!) and enjoying art, music, nature, my family and friends, and, apparently, sugarless food and drink. LOL.
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| as seen in Key West |
Reds, we'd love to hear what you're leaving behind and bringing forward! We are so grateful to have you as our friends and readers!
Leave behind? All the meanness in the world . . . .
ReplyDeleteBring forward? Kindness . . .
I look forward to opportunities to spend time with family and enjoying life . . . .
Jenn, with the onset of menopause, I learned that I have to limit sugar intake to 25 grams daily. I have a family history of diabetes and my dna said that I have higher chances of getting diabetes. Trying hard to stay healthy. It is bad enough that I cannot eat dairy nor wheat anymore due to allergies.
ReplyDeleteYes, being a woman of a certain age changes everything!
DeleteLeaving behind anger and hatred. There was a wonderful article in Katie Couric’s blog this morning (Monday December 30) about how to stop the habit of complaining! I find myself complaining a lot and decided to let it go!
ReplyDeleteBringing forward: Kindness. Better health. Hoping that I can travel this year but the last few times I travelled, HRT seems to help though I still get very dehydrated at times. Strength training to stay strong. Practice self care more often. Appreciate simple things, which I already started doing.
And I look forward to opportunities spending time with family and friends.
Leave behind: anger and frustration. Indignation. Injustice.
ReplyDeleteBring with: good health, love, kindness, optimism, sense of adventure, support for family and friends, nature.
Wishing you all the healtiest of happy new years possible.
Poor Jenn - it would be hard for me to give up sugar (and wine).
ReplyDeleteLeave behind: my own impatience and non-acceptance, the ignorance and cruelty of others, and like others, health issues.
Bring forward: Joy. Joy in family, especially Ida Rose (but that's almost automatic), joy in nature, joy in my work.
It's been a sad year! LOL.
DeleteLeaving behind: meanness in every sphere; worry -- so much worry about so many things; fear of the future
ReplyDeleteBringing forward: kindness in every corner; calmness; and appreciation for daily ordinary life. Oh, and also physical activity -- need much more of that in my daily life
Thank you, Reds and Readers, for all the joy your words have brought me this year. May 2025 be good for us all.
This made me smile - thx Amanda!
DeleteWhat to leave behind: resentment. Taking the bait from my inner critical voice, even though it's loud and used to being entertained.
ReplyDeleteWhat to bring forward: Deep appreciation of moments of peace and bliss.
(I want to make it absolutely clear that I am posting for a "friend.") LEAVE BEHIND: Those three bodies buried in a field about ten miles outside of Denton, Texas. LOOKING FORWARD TO: Meeting as very cheap and very effective defense lawyer. (Again, that was my "friend" -- not me!)
ReplyDeleteLOL Jerry! We'll spread the word...
DeleteLooking forward to: how this story turns out!
DeleteJerry, hoping I know at least one of those bodies--through 'a friend,' of course! :-)
DeleteLOL!!!
Deleteisn't a "very cheap defense lawyer" an oxymoron?
DeleteI'm going to be making a quick trip to Denton, Jerry...!
DeleteGood luck for both, Jerry. Um, I mean Jerry's friend.
DeleteI want to leave behind the anger, frustration, and fear. I want to bring my meditation practice, specifically about letting go, into the New Year. Wishing your all peace and tranquility in 2025.
ReplyDeleteI’d like to leave behind complaining and other complainers that suck me in. I want to leave behind the chaos and upheaval of moving across the country. I want to go forward counting my blessings, making new friends ( not just acquaintances) but still treasuring the old ones and enjoying good health. I want to find and fulfill the purpose God has for bringing me here to this space at this time in my life.
ReplyDeleteHappy new year everyone--your ideas are wonderful and may we all carry through with them!
ReplyDeleteIs leaving stuff behind the same as making resolutions? If so, I don't do that.
ReplyDeleteI figure, I'm me. The good, the bad and the ugly are what make me who I am, for better or for worse.
That will just have to be enough.
Perfectly said :)
DeleteI know many have worse than mine health-related issues (that sentence is coming out all wrong), but I would like to put away the pain in my legs and the getting even worse ability to bend down and walk (quickly). Never take statins is my warning to all. Let me garden in peace.
ReplyDeleteI would like to bring forward peace and few worries. That is probably a worldwide thing, but selfishly in my personal life as well. The need not to have to pivot on the head of a pin, and just completely relax. Of course, patience is still on my list which would have to include being nice, but I am sure that is not going to happen.
Also lose some weight – this is not the usual lose some weight that we all wish for. Yesterday, I was told that in the spring, together with my compatriot, I would be being awarded the King Charles III Coronation medal, for our work on The Seagull – local monthly newspaper for 10 years. It would be nice to wear a nice frock and not look like a short frump. Now maybe I will be forced to compile a collection of 10 years of editorials, somewhere other than in the back files on my computer. Maybe even bind it…
Congratulations! I'm sure you can find a nice frock to fit any size you are.
DeleteCongratulations, Margo!
DeleteWow! Congratulations, Margo! — Pat S
DeleteCongratulations, Margo! I definitely understand the desire to look your best in a nice frock. You will look gorgeous, dahling!
DeleteCongratulations, Margo! I'm sure you will find something lovely!
DeleteThat’s wonderful,Margo! Congratulations
DeleteWhat fabulous news, Margo! Congratulations.
DeleteLeave behind the darkness I've seen in the souls of so many folks, fueled by false beliefs and understandings of the workings of the world. Leave the manipulation, cruelty, and greedy powermongers. Don't need that or thoughts of all that evil in my life.
ReplyDeleteBring forward compassion, wisdom, understanding and finding the joy in the journey, no matter how dark it may be. There is always joy if you look for it. Reframe situations from angry retorts to wisdom of understanding where the other person is coming from. Basically, most folks are doing the best they can so celebrate them where they are. For many it has been a hard-fought battle. The key to keeping this forefront, for me, is to remember to love myself, warts and all. I you can't love yourself; relationships will fail because you are expecting others to make you whole. Love who you are. Period. All else will follow. It is all good. -- Victoria
Let go of and leave in the darkness--anxiety and worry, getting sucked into the mean-spirited hatred that seems to be unleashed in the world. I decided to continue using "humble" as my meditation word in 2025. One year wasn't enough. Bring forward--finding new ways to connect with and stand with my immigrant friends during the coming storm. Do some needlework. Read. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI need to leave the anxiety and anger about the state of the world.
ReplyDeleteI want to focus more on the kindness and love of the people around me, being family, friends and the people I rub shoulders with in different activities. Reds and Readers help me a lot with this.
Danielle
LEAVE BEHIND: Health issues which have prevented me from reading (blurred vision, COVID brain fog) and enjoying eating/cooking ( COVID-induced loss of taste and smell) this year.
ReplyDeleteBRING FORWARD: Hope and positivity to deal with the negativity, anger & fear both nearby and throughout the world.
Sending you best wishes for a better year, Grace!
DeleteGrace, best wishes that all those health issue will dissipate in the new year.
DeleteCurmudgeon or outlier? Resolutions, leaving behind, reviewing the year on December 31/January 1 is not my custom. I do this on my birthday, when my year is at its end/beginning. So, as that phrase goes, “happy new year to all who celebrate.” Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteOh, that is so interesting! And so wise!
DeleteHappy happy New Year’s Eve, everyone! Love you all so much, and these comments are wonderful…
ReplyDelete< Meanness, hatred, racism, and those who practice/promulgate them. > Kindness, generosity of spirit and materials.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, dear ones. Wishing you all a warm, joy-filled and peaceful 2025.
Leaving behind: health issues and the related
ReplyDeleteBringing forward: hope and retirement
Leave behind? Rancor, clutter
ReplyDeleteBring forward? Serenity, optimism (if only!)
I'm of two minds on social media. I'd love to leave it behind, but don't dare.
Oh, I get that for sure!
DeleteLeave behind some of my negativity. It will never completely be gone but a little less would be nice.
ReplyDeleteBring forward the plans to retire. It's a terrifying thing, but it's time.
Thank you, Jenn, for reminding me that Christmas cookies and candy received as presents do more than damage our waistlines.
ReplyDeleteLeave Behind: The knots of tension in my shoulders, the negative self-talk, and the inability to see the world as it is, rather than as I'd like it to be.
Bring Forward: More yoga, meditation, bike rides, hiking, fishing, golf, and kayaking. In other words, I need to intersperse my time at the keyboard with activities that always serve me well and aren't dependent on the vicissitudes of Facebook, Amazon, and the buying public.
Leave behind: definitely health issues! And most definitely negativity in all its blatant forms--hate and overt cruelty and a complete disregard for 'the other.'
ReplyDeleteBring forward: Humor--I need, the world needs more laughter. Joy--in big triumphs and in the smallest moments!
Yes, Flora! Let's bring the humor, the laughter and joy of the truly funny with us into the new year.
DeleteFrom Celia: leave behind the losses and pain in 2024 as well as my nervousness in moving back into the population as a single.
ReplyDeleteBring forward continued workouts for strength, joy in being able to travel, whether near or far, courage to try some of my dreams.
Celia, we will be with you on your new journey!
DeleteCelia, you were such a good partner for so long, I’m sure it will take some time to get adjusted. Sending all our love to you for the journey!
DeleteJenn,
ReplyDeleteI have read that cinnamon may be helpful in reducing blood sugar and may also be helpful for other medical conditions.
Oh, thank you!
DeleteOoh, and adding cinnamon to unsweetened things (plain yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, for starters) makes them taste sweet!
DeleteI would like to leave behind general meanness and name calling. I would like to see more kindness, courtesy, and good manners. Now that his big project in Texas is finished, I hope my husband will spend more time here in Virginia so we can have some adventures.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Everyone! Wishing you all good things!
ReplyDeleteAlso, X is getting too hateful and divisive. So in 2025, I'm going to buy the site from Elon Musk, fire everyone (including Elon), and replace the platform with cute kitten videos. You don't have to thank me -- this is what any right-minded person would do.
ReplyDeleteJerry, two chuckles in one day! You get the last gold star of 2024!
DeleteJerry, put some of those videos up of the two huskies eating various kinds of food. These make me laugh out loud!
DeleteI'm in!!
DeleteI'll join you in your buy out!! Anyone else?
ReplyDeleteLeave Behind: One thing would be some of the clutter, physical things, in my house to a point where I'm making progress on at least one big item . Bring Forward: Taking better care of my self by making healthier choices.
ReplyDeleteKathy, Maybe we can rent a large Reddies van and it can just go house to house and pick up a piece of what used to be perfectly good clutter. In 1 year we would all be free of 365 things that someone else might want. I am starting with a fridge...only works when IT wants to.
DeleteMargo, that's a great idea!
DeleteWishing a very happy new year to all of our wonderful Reddies, who inspire me every day!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year's Eve, everyone, and if you're celebrating, I hope you have a safe (and in Jenn's case, sugar-free) time!
ReplyDeleteWhat I would leave behind and what I would bring forward kind of go hand in hand: All the displacement and victimization of innocent people caused by war - and finding agencies and organizations to support who can be effective in alleviating their plights. On a more personal nite, letting go of health worries about my husband that really hung over most of 2024, and enjoying the relief that his surgery was successful and we can do things we've wanted to do again.
ReplyDelete