Nice to meet you, 2024

An imperfect list of things to tell you about

I teach in an alternate high school program. If you know me, you already know this. The students I teach have struggled in mainstream schooling because of various challenges and are described by some as “at risk.” (I describe them as many other things: strong, resilient, capable, hilarious. The list goes on.)

Believe it or not, my kids are more often than not perfectionists. So even though you might think these are the types of teenagers who don’t want to do their homework, don’t want to do well at school, that actually doesn’t tell the full story.

They aren’t kids that don’t want to do things; they’re often frozen in fear because they want to do all the things and they want to do them so well. Which looks like avoidance, or refusal, or procrastination.

The end result is the same, though: nothing gets done.

Which is all to say… I can see why I ended up in this particular line of work, why I’ve been tasked by fate to help these particular youth.

We have a few things in common. See, I’ve been meaning to get this post out since January 1st. But wanting to get the first post of the year perfect stood in the way and instead I did countless other things until whoops here we are and more than half the month has passed!

But, as, I always tell my students, “Done is the enemy of perfect.” So welcome to this imperfect post, the first of what I’m sure will be an imperfect year, but one in which things get done. 

Read on to explore a list of things I’ve been so excited to tell you about, I almost didn’t at all…

My word of 2024 is live.

I did a lot of reflecting on the year behind us and realized that work and worry and tiredness consumed me more than I realized. This year I want to make memories and put fun first and take better care of myself and do things that feel super uncomfortable but so so worth it. 

The first memory of the year was made on New Year’s Day when I did my first polar plunge.

Even though it’s a new year’s tradition, I think it’s something I’d like to do throughout the year for a mental cleanse. I documented the experience here. 

@bysarahreneeThe first of many 2024 ocean swims 🏊‍♀️ #centennialbeach #polarplunge #ny2024 #happynewyear #oceanswim #oceanswimming #wildswimming #herestoagoodyear #yvr #millennnialsoftiktok #millennial #37yearsyoung #datinginourmid30s #wordoftheyear2024

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2023 felt like the year to explore my personal style, and I want 2024 to be the year I really refine and express it wholeheartedly.

I’ve followed celebrity stylist Allison Bornstein for a long time because I love her three-word method. I finally treated myself to her book Wear It Well over the holidays. I’m working through it and I want to extend an open invitation to read along with me so we can unpack and discuss and find fresh joy in our wardrobes.

A cold spell and a hatred of driving (I really think I was meant to live in NYC) means I haven’t thrifted in aaaages.

It helped me realize how much inspiration I get from thrifting, just being surrounded by clothes, looking at brands or styles or fabrics that are new to me, and styling new pieces or envisioning them in the shop. Instead, I’ve turned to old sources of inspo: Pinterest, and good old-fashioned magazines. I’m considering subscribing to  a favourite for a full year, just for a little treat. My faves are Vogue (US and French), Harper’s Bazaar, and Vanity Fair. Which would you choose? 

Finally, In the spirit of living intentionally and making memories this year, I’ve returned to an old hobby that I’ve neglected since the pandemic: planning and stationery.

To make the most of my days I want to plan ahead for them, and I want to document my memories too. I shared my stationery set-up here. Go take a look. 

And, just like that (lol) the bandaid on my first post of the year is ripped off.

I’m looking forward to unpacking all the little tidbits I’ve shared here today in more detail, and hearing how you’re doing too!? 

P.S. Over the holidays a few new subscribers joined us here, and for that thank you!!! If that’s you, here are a few places to explore:

• Read last season’s e-zine here. The winter edition will be coming soon!

• Browse a few things I bought and love recently.

• Shop my closet here. If you’re not in Canada but something catches your eye, send me a message or comment on Instagram.

• Come hang out with me on TikTok which is pretty much the only social media I can tolerate these days. If you need a little convincing, I have ten reasons here.