It's that time of year again—fresh starts, new vibes, and a chance to tell everyone on social media which things you’re totally going to be focusing on this year. Except we actually are going to be focusing on a few areas of improvement, right? Here are 5 areas we can focus on together this new year.

[caption id="attachment_2701" align="alignleft" width="480"] The sun has set in 2023. How will you make your 2024 a bit brighter?[/caption]

Out with Waste, In with Sustainability

Let's dial it up on the eco-friendly scale. We're aiming for less waste and more love for Mother Earth. Whether it's recycling, cutting back on energy use, or finding new ways to be kinder to the environment, let's do this together. Check out this blog post we wrote last year on what we’re doing and this one on what you can do. 

Out with Insularity, In with Diversity

We all like to stick with the people we know, but now’s the time to experience a new perspective. Jackson is a melting pot, and there’s no better time to soak it all in. Say hi to someone you’d normally pass by. Get to know a new culture. Ask that one uncle why he voted the way he did. You know the one. 

Out with Old, In with New

Don’t just get to know new people—try new experiences, too. Try a cuisine you would have dismissed last year. Read a book that wouldn’t have been on your list before. Maybe even finally find out what the heck an “Earth medicine sound bath” is and what it can do for you.

Out with Corporate, In with Local

In this age of worldwide tech conglomerates slowly advancing into every facet of modern life, remembering to shop down the street has never been more important. That doesn’t mean you have to ditch Prime—just consider buying that book at a place where you can get more recommendations from a person, not an algorithm. 

Out with Screens, in With Unplugging

We realize the irony of asking you to unplug when you’re reading this on a screen, but we all need a breather from time to time. Jackson is known for its natural beauty, not the quality of its cell phones, so let's kick back, chat face-to-face, and soak in the beauty around us without the constant buzz of technology.

What goals do you have this new year? Let us know in the comments. 

This blog is brought to you by Flat Creek Inn.

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Ryan Kunz is a copywriter and freelance writer who writes on a variety of topics, including media, the outdoors, and whatever else strikes his fancy. He still uses the term “New Year's resolutions,” despite hearing that the kids don’t say that anymore.