As I sit down to write my December 2023 roundup, I’m amazed at how quickly 2023 flew by. I hope 2024 is off to a great start for you.

Read on for my monthly goals update, and terrific posts on how to improve your financial health, finding joy in life, embracing an ordinary life, and a story that’s sure to bring a tear to the eye of any parent.

Happy reading!

Cool things I read in December

Since publishing my first monthly roundup at the end of 2020, it has been an honour to introduce you to some of my favourite bloggers. I started the roundup to say thank you to the blogging community and bring attention to talented writers who create funny, inspiring, and informative content.

December was a little quiet in the blogging world. It seems Blogmas is a thing of the past. Even so, here are 4 pieces that caught my eye last month.

Simple steps that will improve your financial health – Transatlantic Notes

Make 2024 the year you take control of your money! This post from Molly is an excellent start with seven practical tips to set you up for success.

Wellness practices are not restricted to addressing issues related to the mind, body, and soul; what is in your bank account and wallet is just as important for nurturing your peace of mind and comfort.

Simple steps that will improve your financial health – Transatlantic Notes

Rock-a-bye baby – Brian, The Heart of the Matter

In a post that’s sure to bring a tear to your eye, Brian shares a memory of middle-of-the-night quiet time with his baby daughter.

I looked down at my daughter and realized that my wife and I would survive the struggles of having a newborn and that there was nothing that I wouldn’t do for the little girl in my arms.

Rock-a-bye baby – The Heart of the Matter

10 ways to find joy in life – The Retirement Manifesto

In this brilliant and inspirational post, Fritz shared highlights of a discussion at his recent Retirement Mastermind meeting and challenged readers to share their own answers to the question, “How do you find joy in life?” Get ready to be inspired.

If you’re trying to find joy in life, I’d encourage you to start inside your head.

10 ways to find joy in life – The Retirement Manifesto

The case for embracing an ordinary life – Erin, The Heart of the Matter

In a world where many strive for greatness, Erin celebrates the ordinary in this terrific post.

My life may not ever evoke feelings of awe, but I believe appreciation is a reasonable target. And I would rather be recognized for countless small, consistent actions than one major contribution.

The case for embracing an ordinary life – Erin, The Heart of the Matter

What I wrote in December

In case you missed any of these, here are the new posts I published in December here on Boomer Eco Crusader.

• The Sunday Spark – What to do with a lucky windfall?
• Spending time in nature – Just what the doctor ordered! (A Climate Change Collective post)
• The Sunday Spark – Thoughts on 2023’s Person of the Year
• The Sunday Spark – Make 2024 the year of more fun at work
• Carbon offsets, flight shaming, and better transportation options
• Are you decluttering in 2024? Join my challenge!
• Blog highlights of 2023 and a sneak peak at 2024

And, here are the posts I wrote in December for Wise & Shine.

• Charitable giving and the helper’s high
• Restoring peace and tranquility in our lives
• Choosing joy over happiness
• Memories of a mismatched Christmas tree – A poem

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Let’s keep in touch! Join my mailing list and I’ll email you when I add a new post.

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December goals – How did I do?

Amid all the busyness of the Christmas season, I didn’t do too badly with my goals for the month. Let’s take a look.

Fitness goals

I increased my goal to 180 minutes of exercise every week, including two strength training sessions. I exceeded my goal every week for the first three weeks of December. The week of Christmas, I fell short but still averaged 185 minutes for the month. And I met my goal of two strength training workouts every week.

Since the colder weather arrived, I have really been struggling to find the motivation to get outside and walk. I managed to get a walk in only 15 out of the 31 days.

Reading

I met my goal of reading 4 books this month. Here’s what I read:

• Someone is Watching by Joy Fielding.
• Best Wishes, Warmest Regards – The Story of Schitt’s Creek by Daniel Levy and Eugene Levy
• Stories for the Heart compiled by Alice Gray
• Why are you here? by Frank J. Peter

Writing

My writing goal was to come up with my blogging plan for 2024 which I completed by mid-December.

Health

My goal was to fit in a minimum of 5 servings of fruit and vegetables every day. I met or exceeded this goal on 25 out of 31 days.

Decluttering

My December goal was to come up with a decluttering plan for 2024. I plan to reboot my popular 52-Week Decluttering Challenge and I’ve already made good progress to start the year.

My January goals

At the beginning of 2023, I switched up my approach to goal setting—favouring smaller monthly goals over large yearly goals. This worked well for me so I’m continuing that approach for 2024.

For the first time this year, I’ve chosen a theme for the year. As I shared in this week’s The Sunday Spark, 2024 will be a year of reinvention as I prepare to transition into my next chapter. My monthly goals will align with that theme.

Here are my goals for January:

• Fitness goals: I gained a lot of momentum in December so I’m repeating the same goal for January—180 minutes of exercise each week, including two strength training workouts.
• Reading: Read 2 books.
• Health: No candy during the workday.
• Blogging: Finish my guest post for Happy Eco News.
• Reinvention/Second Life: Complete 3 to 5 hours of practice retirement coaching.
• Decluttering: Declutter 50 items.

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Thanks for dropping by to check out my December 2023 roundup. I hope your January is off to a great start.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on any of the posts I’ve shared. Tell me what you think below.