10 Resolutions for the New Year, 2024
By Caroline Downey
1. Maximize Time with Your Parents
I saw an Instagram reel the other day that calculated the number of reunions the average post grad has left with their parents. Assuming parents in their 60s and two holiday visits a year, the young professional in his/her 20s will only see them about 40 more times before they die. Having lost my father in March, my heart ached hearing this. Sometimes the math has to be broken down like that for it to hit. Time is the only finite resource we have, and it’s especially limited with our aging parents. You cannot waste a single second. Book the extra trip home, and make the extra phone call if you can’t. Consider relocating your family to be closer to them. Money will come back; they won’t.
2. Don’t Get Black Pilled
When times looked bleak, the late radio titan Rush Limbaugh, after one of his iconic tirades, used to calm listeners, “Let not your heart be troubled.” As progressivism steamrolled the country, these words were a great comfort to millions of patriotic Americans. From John 14:1, the verse is a reminder that God is in control in America's darkest hours. It’s easy to doom scroll on the internet and prophesy that we are approaching political apocalypse. Yes, institutions are captured, cities are unrecognizable, and the culture is dystopian. But a positive impact can still be made in our families and communities. Which leads me to my next point:
3. Be a Localist
If 2023 showed us anything, it’s that ordinary citizens have immense power at the local level. Parents nationwide led a revolution demanding curricula transparency, Covid accountability, and a return to real education from their districts, school boards, and teachers’ unions. Even more micro than the town square is the family, which needs nurturing more than a Twitter addiction. Redirect your energy from raging against the political machine to your loved ones. You may not be able to stop the deep state or corruption in Congress, but you can be a good daughter, spouse, and sister. A thriving nuclear and extended family is a strong defense against many ills: invasive government, mental health struggle, the gender craze, and hopelessness.
4. Invest in Self-Maintenance
It’s a fact for women: personal upkeep is exorbitantly expensive. Hair (cut, color, tone, blow dry, every few months!), nails, fashion, makeup, the list goes on. But 2024 is when we stop self-flagellating for being high-maintenance. Don’t apologize for a top-notch outfit purchase, a dip manicure, and a fresh blowout. Even if you’re not dressing up for an occasion or to impress anyone, looking presentable elevates the mood of the people around you as well as your own. It signifies that you believe life and the people you interact with are meaningful. It’s a radical act to look fabulous in this era of slipping standards and slobbery.
5. Thank Old Mentors and Guardian Angels
Always late to the game on TV shows, I recently finished the finale of The Queen's Gambit. Sobbing by the end, I was struck by a scene in which the main character, chess prodigy Beth Harmon, attends the funeral of a formative mentor: the grumpy janitor who taught her how to play the game. Afterwards, she visits her orphanage where she became his pupil, and finds a memorabilia board displaying her chess achievements over the years. Though emotionally stunted, Harmon breaks down in tears, realizing that the pride of his life was being her teacher. The lesson here is that no one is a legend on their own. I attribute my success in political writing and punditry to my parents, but also to a pair of old professors who took me under their wing in college. I email, call, and visit them whenever I can to thank them for their wise counsel, and for inspiring me to pursue my career path. We owe it to our guardian angels from all stages of life to recognize and express gratitude for what they did for us.
6. Read Books
Every week, my boyfriend orders a new physical book for when we’re old and married, sitting on the front porch, in need of reading material. While an adorable gesture, this practice should be popular while we’re all young and vibrant. Commit to reading books this year, whether fiction or nonfiction, to expand your mind and revive your childhood imagination.
7. Celebrate Everything
Life is short. Celebrate all the milestones and accomplishments by going out with friends, clinking champagne, or throwing a party. Got a new job? Cheers to that. Baby on the way? Go on a baby-moon with your husband. Your mom is turning 60? Host a surprise party with all of her closest friends and favorite food.
8. Get More Sleep
I owe half the problems in my life to lack of sleep. Some of that deficit is self-inflicted and some is not. Regardless, your body, mind, and soul, as well as friends and family, will thank you for getting at least eight hours every night. It helps minimize stress, makes your skin and hair glow, and keeps the existential dread at bay. To be sure, some corporate lifestyles don’t afford healthy sleeping schedules (they should!). But hitting the hay early, especially if it comes at the expense of pillow screen time or a Netflix binge sesh, is always worth it.
9. Indulge in Sweet Treats
Did I think completing basic tasks this year merited a cake pop as a reward? Yes, yes I did. Sweet treats are one of many man-made creations that make life more fun. Everything in moderation, of course, as many of us are counting calories and striving for slim figures. But if the menu offers a gooey home-baked chocolate chip cookie with milk, you may regret not ordering that.
10. Learn a New Skill
There is no shortage of hobbies and activities to explore, with various ones trending every year. Needlepoint saw a resurgence during the throes of quarantine, and Mahjong continues to make a major comeback in mainstream culture. But even if the traditional female arts don't appeal to you, everyone needs a party trick. Be the one who fearlessly nails that song on piano or saves the day by being comfortable with mixology ratios behind the bar. Whether it’s mastering your hair routine with velcro rollers or signing onto a new sport (consider tennis, pickleball, or paddle), the world’s your oyster. Commit to expanding your repertoire in 2024, and above all, rage on, stay focused, believe, and be kind.
Caroline Downey is the Editor-in-Chief of The Conservateur and an education reporter at National Review. She can be found on X @carolinedowney_ and on Instagram @carolinedowney_.
