As the year comes to an end, I, like a lot of other people, am reflecting on everything I set out to do in 2024. In the beginning, (or rather end of 2023), I created a list of intentions for things I wanted to accomplish in 2024. In June, I wrote a mid-year intentions update. Now, I will share my original intentions, my mid-year update and my final 2024 intentions update.

One. Read 27 books.
January: At the beginning of every year, I seem to have a massive goal for reading. So this year, I wanted to achieve a goal of 27 books read. This goal is about a book every other week, which seems doable.
June: So far, I have kept up with this intention. Currently, I have read 20 books. At this rate, I will beat my goal very soon!
December: As of posting, I have read 40 books (41 if you count a very short story). Some months I read a lot, and others I did not. I am more than happy with my reading intention!

Two. Save $62.50 every week.
January: Yeah, I know! January is all set, and sometimes, I look forward to making the transaction on my banking website. By doing this, I will set my future self up for success.
June: I have not missed a week, yet! I thought this would be an actual challenge, however, it is quite easy.
December: I did not miss a week at all! I am ready to tackle another self-induced savings challenge for 2025!

Three. Visit a new state.
January: I traveled a lot last year, although, it was to states I have already been to. This year, I want to see the fall foliage in New England. As you know, autumn is my favorite season.
June: This one is a bit tricky because I haven’t completed it, nor currently have any plans to visit a new state.
December: December Danielle is laughing at June Danielle because that very next month, July Danielle went to New Jersey! I had never been to New Jersey, except for an airport, which is not counted.

Four. Read the entire Bible.
January: I have done this before, and it was hard. I didn’t comprehend some of it and saw it as a checklist item to check off rather than learn from. I am about a month into a Bible reading plan, and it’s going great!
June: This is an intention I think about the most. I typically read the daily section right in the morning before going to work. It is a calm way to start the day and I usually think about the passage throughout the day. Then, I go to bed at night wondering what the next passage will cover.
December: I have almost completed the Bible reading plan I picked for the year. This intention brought me the most peace and the most learning. I learned so much more from the Bible than I did the first time I read through it. I learned more about the character of God than I ever have before. Now, I can’t wait to read through the Bible again and learn even more.

Five. Try 12 French recipes.
January: I love to cook and try new recipes. I received Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking cookbook a few holidays ago. The recipes seem so elegant! I have already made the roast chicken, which is great for Sunday dinner. I can’t wait to try at least eleven more recipes!
June: I have not stayed on top of this intention at all. I have only cooked maybe two French recipes. I need to sit down and go through my cookbooks and create a plan for the remaining months.
December: I am saddened to report that I only tried two recipes from Julia’s cookbook all year. However, one recipe in particular became an instant favorite. I made Suprêmes de Volaille à la Milanaise and it was absolutely divine! I need to make it again very soon.

How did your 2024 stack up to your intentions? What intentions are you making for 2025?

See you next year,

Danielle.