The Recipe to a Holistically WHOLE SOME YEAR
PC: Pinterest
Ever since I could remember, I’ve had fomo (fear of missing out). Not fomo from parties and social events, however. Quite to the contrary, I don’t think I’ve ever had that kind of fomo. I’m talking about fomo on life. I would worry that one day I would wake up, realize I’m 73, and didn’t live a fulfilling life. Or worse, I have dark thoughts that I would die young or that loved ones would suddenly pass, and I wasted my time with me/them by being complacent. Every day I need to be able to answer “yes” to the question: If I died today, would I be satisfied with how I’ve lived up to today? That’s why at 15, I lived abroad for a semester without my family. That’s why at 22, I traveled the world alone. That’s why you always see me doing the most with my life — traveling, loving, sipping, dressing, and really living, never leaving something in the future to accomplish (to my dad who always says you can have fun when you retire… it’s a no for me).
As we approach 2024 and reflect on the year that just passed, I want you to think if you lived a holistically wholesome year. Holistically, because I don’t doubt there were episodes, maybe even months, that were hard and painful. But in the grand scheme of things, were you happy? Are you satisfied with what you’ve done? I’ve learned that in order for me to put a green checkmark next to those questions, there are a few things I need to have done in a year. And even though goals and dreams change from year to year, these few things remain the same. Here is how I ensure I have a holistically wholesome year:
1. I need to travel at least two to four times in the year.
I know that sounds like a lot to some, but it barely feels like enough for a travel junkie like myself. But I want to caveat this by saying: some of my travel is just going back home to Vienna or Tokyo. I’m still trying to find a way to feel at home in just one place — I’m always missing pieces of me when I stay in one place. Travel simply pumps life and inspiration back into me like nothing else can, so this sits at spot number 1.
2. I need to work on my personal projects throughout the year.
We all have jobs and we all have a social life, but what’s the thing you work on that’s personal to you? That’s maybe not paying you any money, but is giving you tons of happiness. Maybe that’s reading a certain amount of books a year, or going to pottery class every so often. For me, it’s working on this blog and my Youtube channel. These are the things that make you feel like you have a purpose beyond just being a corporate machine.
3. I need to spend tons of time with loved ones and make beautiful memories.
Hear me: everything is people. As much as I preach being alone and loving doing things solo, I am no fool to think I don’t need anyone. I need everyone — the love between people is what keeps us social beings alive. We live to live amongst the love of our friends and family, so spend tons of time with the people of your choice and make beautiful memories.
4. I need to dress nicely.
It should be of no surprise to anyone but I really value dressing nicely. Clothes help to represent who you are, and the right outfit can make you feel confident and in line with your true self. So, go about the year dressing extraordinary, mi ladies.
5. I need to feel like I’m making improvements on myself
This is pretty broad, but I’m pretty much referring to everything that touches on “myself”. That could be anything from the job you work to the spiritual journey you are on. There needs to be a sense of forward movement in whatever it is that you are working on. I’m usually trying to improve my writing and work ethic and my mental strength.
