Embrace the New Year, Embrace the New You:

Taking Control of Your Life in 2024

Ah, the New Year 2024– that magical time when the calendar gets a fresh coat of optimism, and we convince ourselves that this year will be different. Well, guess what? It can be! It's time to bid farewell to the old you and welcome in the new, improved version. So, grab your metaphorical cape and let's embark on this epic journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

1. Toss Out the Resolutions, Bring in the Intentions:

  • Let's be real, resolutions are so last year. This time, set intentions that resonate with your soul. Instead of vowing to hit the gym every day, aim to nurture your body and mind through activities you genuinely enjoy.

2. Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind:

  • Marie Kondo your life! Get rid of the physical and mental clutter that's been weighing you down. A tidy space equals a tidy mind, and suddenly, you'll find yourself with room to breathe and think.

3. Dance Like Nobody's Watching (Because They Probably Aren't):

  • Why wait for a special occasion to bust a move? Put on your favorite tunes and dance like it's your own private party. It's an instant mood booster and a fantastic way to celebrate the fact that you're alive and kicking in 2024.

4. Learn Something New – Like, Really New:

  • Always wanted to juggle? Speak a new language? Now's the time! Embrace the joy of being a beginner and relish in the small victories. It's not about perfection; it's about the fun of the journey.

5. Tech Detox – It's a Thing:

  • Unplug, unwind, and discover life beyond the screen. Take a stroll in nature, have a face-to-face conversation, or simply savor a cup of coffee without the background hum of notifications. Your mind will thank you.

6. Elevate Your Self-Care Game:

  • Self-care isn't just face masks and bubble baths (although those are great, too). It's about nourishing your body and mind. Whether it's a daily walk, meditation, or enjoying a guilt-free treat, make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine.

7. Say Yes – Even When It's Scary:

  • Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Say yes to new opportunities, even if they make your palms sweaty. You never know what amazing experiences and people are waiting on the other side of fear.

8. Practice Gratitude – It's the New Black:

  • Start a gratitude journal and jot down three things you're thankful for each day. It's a simple yet powerful way to shift your focus from what's lacking to what's abundant in your life.

9. Be Kind to Yourself – You're Doing Amazing:

  • Cut yourself some slack. You're a work in progress, just like everyone else. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small, and remember that it's okay not to have it all figured out.

10. Laugh – A Lot:

  • Laughter truly is the best medicine. Surround yourself with people who make you snort uncontrollably and seek out opportunities to inject humor into your day. Life's too short to take too seriously.

So, here's to the new year, the new you, and the countless adventures that await. Take the reins, steer your ship, and let the winds of change carry you to places you've only dreamed of. Happy almost 2024! ~RS🗯

In 2024, I set powerful intentions, aligning my actions with my aspirations. My journey unfolds with purpose, and each day is a step toward the vibrant, fulfilling life I envision for myself."

DAILY AFFIRMATION

Good Afternoon—it's Friday, Dec. 29! We've got the scoop on 2024 primary chaos, a stock market rollercoaster, and loads of other juicy updates

Trump Nixed From Maine Ballot (For Now)

Former President Donald Trump will not appear on the Republican ballot in Maine's presidential primary after Secretary of State Shenna Bellows (D) ruled his role in the events of Jan. 6, 2021, made him ineligible under a clause in the 14th Amendment. The decision follows a ruling with similar effect by Colorado's Supreme Court, and a decision by Michigan's Supreme Court leaving him eligible for the primary race. 

Year-End Market Rally 

US stock markets are on pace to wrap up the year with double-digit gains. The S&P 500, which is hovering near its all-time high, closed up 25% for the year yesterday. The technology-heavy Nasdaq closed up 45% for the year and is nearing its best year since 2003. The Dow closed up 14% for the year, setting a seventh record high for the month yesterday.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard Walks

Gypsy Rose Blanchard, convicted of coordinating the 2015 murder of her abusive mother, was released from Missouri state prison yesterday after serving seven years of a 10-year sentence. The 32-year-old Blanchard's story garnered international attention via numerous documentaries, with a series of prison interviews set to air next week on Lifetime.

In The Know

 Sports, Entertainment, & Culture

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow fired after pornographic videos of Gow and his wife are uncovered (More)

College Football Playoff kicks off Monday with No. 1 Michigan taking on No. 4 Alabama (4 pm ET, ESPN) and No. 2 Washington against No. 3 Texas (8 pm ET, ESPN) (More)

> Mbongeni Ngema, iconic South African playwright and six-time Tony and Grammy Award nominee, dies in a car crash at 68 (More)

Science & Technology

> US military's X-37B space plane begins seventh mission; vehicle was launched via a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, allowing it to reach as high as 22,000 miles above Earth (More)

> Scientists discover source of mysterious type of immune system cells known as stem-like central memory T cells, which play a key role in remembering previously encountered pathogens (More)

Business & Markets

Global mergers and acquisitions fell 17% to $2.87T in 2023, the lowest level in more than 10 years and driven partly by tightening markets; Japan was the only country to see M&A growth at 32% (More)

 Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi unveils first electric vehicle in bid to compete with Tesla, Porsche (More

Politics & World Affairs

 An estimated 150,000 people forced to flee central Gaza as Israeli troops expand operations against Hamas to refugee camps (More)

 Rep. Lauren Boebert (R, CO-3) to move residences, will run in Colorado's 4th District after facing tough reelection bid; former President Donald Trump won the 4th District by 16 points in 2020, current Rep. Ken Buck (R) is retiring (More)

 US homicide rate dropped by as much as 12% between 2022 and 2023, but remained higher than 2008-20 period, according to preliminary data (More)

"Pain nourishes courage. You can't be brave if you've only had wonderful things happen to you."

- Mary Tyler Moore

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2023 was the year of artificial intelligence, and now that it's coming to an end, we’re recapping the top AI stories and sharing some predictions for 2024.

HOW WOMEN GOT AHEAD FINANCIALLY IN 2023

Money moves women made this year.

We narrowed the gender pay gap…

Women in the US now earn 84% of what their male counterparts make. Partly because women are filling more management-level roles, earning advanced degrees at a higher rate than men, and taking jobs in higher-paying industries like tech. Progress is progress — this is the smallest gender pay gap we’ve seen since the Bureau of Labor Statistics started tracking it in 1979 — but we're not popping champagne just yet. There's still a notable pay disparity when it comes to race.

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