What to Expect in 2024

It’s 2024. Can you believe it?

When we enter a new year, many people reflect, evaluate, and look ahead.

Some make resolutions.

Some set objectives and goals for the year ahead.

For grieving hearts, however, some of us are just trying to survive from day to day.

Some of us are at a point in our grief journey where we are looking to do more than survive – much more.

No matter where we are, most of us are wondering what this new year will bring.

Thankfully, there are some things we can count on.

What We Can Expect in 2024

Here are some things that I know we can expect in 2024…

1.  The world (and therefore life) will be challenging.

Our world is changing rapidly. Things are tense, divided, and uncertain. While we’re grieving the loss of precious loved ones, we’re also grieving the shaking of the world we grew up in. 

2.  All our grief journeys will be challenging.

Our grief challenges will take various forms.

Handling our emotions.Dealing with the mental impact of all that’s happening.Managing the physical stresses and health changes.Handling the constant upheavals and shifts in our relationships.Surfing wave after wave of spiritual challenges.

All of these challenges can seem overwhelming at times. Embracing these challenges and navigating them well will be important.

3.  Great blessings will come into our lives.

Blessings are always there. We’re surrounded by them every day.

The challenge will be to notice and appreciate them.

Looking for and embracing these God moments is huge. A grieving heart can also be a thankful heart.

4. The theme of the year will once again be “Overcoming.”

Overcoming seems to be the theme of all of life, doesn’t it?

Perhaps it is.

So, let’s set our minds to look for blessings (God moments), cultivate thankful hearts, and continue to overcome.

What I’m Hoping to Do.

On my end, God willing, here’s what I hope to do in 2024 to encourage and assist you in looking for and embracing blessings, cultivating a thankful heart, and overcoming (living with more purpose and meaning that you thought possible):

Weekly emails designed to comfort, affirm, and encourage you.

Monthly Zoom sessions addressing the above topics.

Offering access to my online Overcoming Grief school courses: the Overcoming Grief Library, the Overcoming Fear course, and the Grief Helpers Network.

I’m also planning three new books this year designed to connect with your heart and walk with you on this tough, arduous journey.

Guarding Our Hearts

I’m again reminded of King Solomon’s 3000 year-old words: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the spring from which everything in your life flows.” (Proverbs 4:23)

Our hearts are under assault. May this be a year where we intentionally choose to guard our hearts, protecting them from dangers and nurturing them in what is good.

I’m glad we’re in this together.

Until next time…

Question: As you look ahead into this new year, what do you “expect?” Feel free to respond by commenting below.

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