☘️ Creating the Perfect New Year's Day To Set The Tone For 2024

This may have been the PERFECT way to reset for the new year... a week after New Year's Eve. It was a great balance between getting things done and being productive, and also resting and recharging. Plus, I learned a few valuable lessons along the way that I'll be carrying with me throughout 2024.
👀 SEE HOW I PREPPED & PLANNED FOR THIS DAY WITH MY NEW YEAR'S EVE RESET: • ☘️ My New Year’s Eve D...

[@jennyjenkins877]

You were so calm after doing that slow and intentional day!

[@HowToGYST]

It was just what my soul needed.

[@jeannettehood4445]

Atomic Habits is the book I am doing the same with. This is my second time through this time on Kindle and I am highlighting passages. It is so good!

[@HowToGYST]

It will be my second time through too. Book twins!

[@misst2474]

I'm like you. Read a non-fiction book - lots of ideas to implement but I'm already on to the next book which has lots of ideas to implement and, come year end, I've done none of them. Going to re-read a couple of key books and, when I find an idea, implement it straight away. If it works, great! If not, I can change it or bin it. Here's hoping we both succeed in 2024!!

[@HowToGYST]

Yesss! Let's do it!

[@deannasullivan9684]

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. I really enjoyed these books.

[@HowToGYST]

Already have both on my list. Looking forward to getting stuck in. 😁

[@barbaravoneitzen7367]

Slow and steady does work wonders. Thanks for the reminder.❤

[@HowToGYST]

It never SEEMS like it should be the case but it's proven true for me over and over again.

[@maureenedwards2388]

Try Louise Penny's Cheif Inspector Gamache series or Tony Hillerman's series set on the Navajo reservation starting with "The Blessing Way".

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you! I already had the series on my list but looking up "The Blessing Way".

[@evasochocki5209]

I totally agree with you. I get more done when I go slowly. Sort of like the tortoise and the hare. Slow and steady

[@HowToGYST]

Absolutely! I'm much less distracted when I slow down.

[@lilly6766]

I recomend reading or rereading Pullman: the golden compas triology. Lindgren: the brothers lionheart. And I devover cozy crime stories.

[@HowToGYST]

Thank youuu! 💖

[@trishtraynor]

Every day is the start of a new year !

[@HowToGYST]

Yesss!

[@kittencourageous]

Love this!!

[@kathleencremmins286]

I have my honey giving me real responses on clothes...what looked good before doesn't fall the same way...he would make my mom proud with the "really" look. 😊. I also started realizing that a certain look isn't right for this time of my life. Keep it strong and real...you are an inspiration!!! You love to learn & share so good to refocus. 💕🙏👍💪

[@HowToGYST]

Yes, there are certain looks that I love, and that I maybe wore once upon a time, but can accept now that they're no longer right for me. It's a process!

[@kathleencremmins286]

@@HowToGYST but.....my Ralphie (Christmas Story) rabbit outfit remains in the closet...😉

[@HowToGYST]

Gotta keep those joy sparkers. ✨😉

[@vicm7870]

I have a similar reading aim. I've been in a slump but the book I'm currently reading is like you described, thriller with twist and turns. I cant put it down but havent finished it yet so, i hope it ends strong. Its called The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. Also, I wouldnt bother buying bra storage. I use two sturdy shoeboxes without the lids inside my wardrobe. They are great and keep them upright and separate.

[@HowToGYST]

That book is on my list! I actually saw it at the Little Free Library recently but left it for someone else because I have the eBook version on my wish list in the library app. It was quickly snapped up.

[@zabmcauley5647]

I used jonaxel wire drawers from Ikea. The drawers are the perfect depth for filling bras like you described, without having deviders that look like they'd be a hassel. They are also great for filing t-shirts and leggings. Each drawer is long enough to fit 2 rows of 7-10 shirts done Marie condo style

[@HowToGYST]

Good ol' Ikea always comin' up trumps. 😁

[@willowgirl2635]

Shari Lapena writes a good thriller.

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you!

[@laurawood4476]

Oh my ! Your revelations at the end of this video literally stopped me in my tracks !! So much to ponder there . Thank you

[@HowToGYST]

I'm still thinking about them. 😂 Sometimes you hit on something so good that you keep thinking about it for weeks.

[@watchmethriving]

I am also determined to make 2024 my best year yet. 2023 wasn’t good to me.

[@HowToGYST]

It was a very mixed bag for me. Onwards and upwards!

[@shirleyrankin-zf6nv]

Firefly summer by Mauve Binchey . She is an Irish writer it is realistic fiction. I think you would like it

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you! Added to my list.

[@Turtleneck07]

Technically considered juvenile lit, you might enjoy The Mysterious Benedict Society series. I read it as an adult and loved it!

[@HowToGYST]

Sounds fun! Added the first book to my list!

[@heatherwhelan1376]

Sounds like you had a good night's rest, too! To get that much done on your intentional slower day!

[@HowToGYST]

My sleep has been a bit all over the place, to be honest. Some nights 6 hours, some nights 9 hours. 🤷

[@HomeBirdJen]

I’m deffo gonna read more this year. I hardly read anything last year. I swap out fiction and nonfiction. I use the Storygraph app! Love your content Laura 👍🏻💜😊

[@HowToGYST]

I've been trying to have a better mix the past few years but I think it's time to enter my fiction era for a while. 🤓

[@kristenvincent3622]

Reaching out to the decluttering community… we just moved in with my mother (75) from our planned 3000sq ft house into a 700sq ft home. We need huge downsizing but my mother also is in the early stages of dementia. Does anyone have any tips for decluttering under similar circumstances? One minute she is trying to donate or throw out family heirlooms, the next she is freaking out over missing things like a plastic Tim Hortons to go mug or having a crying meltdown because she can’t find her “castle” DVD’s and getting verbally abusive and accusing people/me of stealing them (I found them, eventually buried in her stuff) we’ve already done a big (true hoarder) declutter on her and her mothers stuff 7 years ago… any guidance appreciated I’m at my wits end.

[@HowToGYST]

Hi Kristen. That sounds like a really stressful situation. Do you have professional help in the form of a carer or medical team? They would be best placed to advise.

[@Hookstohugs]

My un putdownables last year were: Take my hand- Dolen Perkins Valdez Dark matter- Blake Crouch Kindred- Octavia E Butler Eve of man - Giovanna Fletcher None of this is true- Lisa Jewell Behind closed doors- BA Paris The silent patient- Alex Michaelides My dark Vanessa- Kate Elizabeth Russel Diary of a serial killers daughter- LA Detwiler The bones beneath my skin- TJ Klune Rock, paper, scissors- Alice Feeney The end of men- Christina Sweeney Baird I who have never known men- Jacqueline Harpman They’re my absolute favourites, I’d happily read them all again. I’ve more but I think this list is long enough 😂

[@HowToGYST]

Thanks so much for the suggestions! I already had some of these on my list but had added the rest. 😁

[@josephdaly2015]

You will definitely be taking time to read all the recommendations given by everyone. I like cosy crime and a bit of chick lit. I know Claudia Carroll doesn’t do thrillers but her books are very funny. Delighted you rang in the new year later and are feeling on top of things. I hope you are feeling better and getting a good nights sleep. Have a great week. Mary, Joes wife 🙇‍♀️👏💪👍💐🙏🐕‍🦺

[@HowToGYST]

Thanks, Mary! Good sleep is still a work in progress! 😂 Hope your year is off to a good start.

[@michellestmarentette.antoi5904]

Lately I’m been thinking more before I execute things and sometimes I come up with a faster, easier approach. I still like to read Murder she wrote, Murdoch mysteries and Mcbeaton Hamish books Death of….

[@HowToGYST]

Thanks for the suggestions! Yes, it's amazing what taking a moment or two to pause can do.

[@samanthabissell22]

I’m a new subscriber as I found your page through clean my space I also am part Irish so happy I decided to subscribe to your channel I find y’all’s decluttering etc type of content very motivating etc

[@HowToGYST]

Aw, thanks for hopping over from CMS! Love Melissa and Chad. 😁

[@thefed74]

If you like twists and turns, I recommend Rock, Paper, Scissors by Alice Feeney!

[@HowToGYST]

Ooh, I looked it up and immediately added it to my list! Thanks for the recommendation.

[@AinebeautyBlogspot]

I love the Jodi Taylor Chronicles of St Mary's series. Something a bit different

[@HowToGYST]

Looked them up. They sound interesting!

[@CeeLeeLEMT]

The Murderbot service, by Martha Well, the first one is "All Systems Red"! I was desperate to find out what happened in the past and what happened in the present. I want books that make me care about the characters and engages me with the plot and Murderbot delivers. Mysteries by Patricia Wentworth and Catherine Aird are older and interesting, with plot twists that sometimes still fool me on a reread 😹 As for bra storage; mine are tricky, so I just put them in two nightstand drawers, divided by which ones can be folded flat and which ones have 'structure'.

[@HowToGYST]

Thanks so much, Lesley! I can't fathom how we haven't figured out proper bra storage by now. You'd think that would be something basic. 😂

[@elisabeth8798]

Hello again and thanks for the awesome video! So sorry to hear you were in pain, I hope you are feeling better now! Please take your time and be, if I may say so: a good mother to yourself. And a second “if I may say so “: I think your hair really suits you, this bit more of length is really flattering! Even if it’s not curly like somebody else’s 😄 As to (for? Sorry, so tricky!) reading: David Sedaris (not “squirrel seeks chipmunks”, made me shiver and cry), Ian McEwan, John Irving, and Muriel Spark, for instance “Loitering with Intent” or “A Far Cry from Kensington”; if you consider to read translations as well you might enjoy Martin Suter “Lila Lila” or “The Dark Side of the Moon”. Have fun! And please as always: Give lovely Jovi a big cuddle from me! All the best, Elisabeth (Vienna, Austria) Sorry for mistakes, I’m fighting long COVID and my head is sort of out of order.

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you so much, Elisabeth. I hope you feel loads better soon!

[@elisabeth8798]

Thank you so much, I am thankful having found a highly specialized doctor, who is in science as well. Please take care and enjoy reading! 🤗

[@PhoebesWorldProductions]

I don’t read much…. But a series of books I’ve read… “The Sword of Truth” by Terry Goodkind. … Franklin (my husband) just got “Atomic Habits”… a few days ago… and I want to read it. 😊 👍🏻 He plans to read it too. I can’t stand to be rushed. So I think what you were talking about about pausing, reflecting and slowing down makes a lot of sense. 😊👍🏻

[@HowToGYST]

I'm always amazed at how much more I get done when I slow down. Doesn't sound like it makes sense but it works!

[@PhoebesWorldProductions]

There's a saying that goes something like... "The hurrier I go, the behinder I get".... and It's so true. 😉

[@HowToGYST]

Love that!

[@PhoebesWorldProductions]

😉😃👍🏼

[@cruelaz]

I had a similar issue with non fiction books. So i started a journal where I would write down anything I want to take away from the book quotes etc. Now when I think of a book and something I red there I dont have to sift through the entire book or when I don't own it anymore can't do that Could be any type of notebook I just have the pages numbered and keep an index in the front to know which books are on what pages also i sometimes go through it and read some stuff I had forgotten about and can re implement

[@HowToGYST]

Yup, I take a lot of notes too. Rarely go back to them though so this time I'm hoping to take action instead of just notes. 😅

[@LilyLightOne]

I just started an online continuing education course. I was feeling very overwhelmed with the amount of reading that is expected. But trying to read fast just doesn't work for me, I end up having to re-read which just defeats the purpose. Thank you for confirming I should just go at my own pace. 😅😊

[@HowToGYST]

Absolutely! You'll absorb so much more that way. And hopefully enjoy the process a lot more too! Have fun on your reading adventures. 💖

[@charissatroup5611]

The best book I read last year was The Chestnut Man by Soren Sveistrup. There's also a Netfix adaption that's very well done, too. I really like anything by Karin Slaughter, too.

[@HowToGYST]

Not familiar with that one. I'll look it up!

[@HowToGYST]

OK, looked it up and added to my list! 🤓 Sounds spooky!

[@nataE-845]

Book suggestions- Really Anything by Jeanette Walls (start with The Glass Castle). And- Tracy Chevalier: Girl with the Pearl Earring, and all her other books! 📚 ✨✨

[@HowToGYST]

Added! Thank you!

[@hurdiehurdie924]

📗📖📕 Anything by Freida McFadden = total page turner 🥳

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you!

[@deborahderosa4987]

Mama day and we are not from here. Must reads.

[@HowToGYST]

Yay! Thanks so much!

[@deborahderosa4987]

Come to Chicago and take our snow.

[@HowToGYST]

Oh I've got plenty of my own now, thank you. 😂

[@carolinerambles3885]

I have the same issue with bra storage, I've tried everything. I have gone back to hanging them up - especially if they have matching pants or are more like lil tops rather than wired or nicer ones. I have a fabric storer with dividers for my pants. Other random bras I also hang on a multi hanger where one arm is for black ones and another is more nude ones. Again, not perfect but definitely better than all shoved in a draw or ill fitting containers

[@HowToGYST]

I'm amazed there isn't a decent, popular storage solution for them given how many people wear them!

[@jenniferbarney4220]

Lessons in Chemistry is a fave. Jo Spain writes good thrillers, and so does Jane Casey.

[@HowToGYST]

I found a copy of "Lessons In Chemistry" at the local Little Free Library recently so I'll be diving into that soon!

[@jenniferbarney4220]

@@HowToGYST Enjoy!!

[@lizalbiston7931]

Yes, I'm also finding slowing down and focusing on a particular area I want to clear, without placing a time constraint on it, is really working for me and I seem naturally more productive in other areas too. Sounds like you would enjoy reading Ian Rankin's Rebus series.

[@HowToGYST]

Yes, the lack of deadline can be very freeing. I know I'll WANT to finish but I don't feel like I HAVE to finish. Much more relaxing.

[@gingerdevonshire1479]

I highly recommend Patrick Rothfuss The name of the Wind 🌬️

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you! 😁

[@marlenejordan9442]

Hi Laura ! Have always loved books by Patricia Cornwell with the main character (Dr.) Kay Scarpetta, a forensic medical examiner. Creepy sometimes, but always very interesting ! Also love all the books by Clive Cussler, mainly deep sea adventures, but always with some kind of (usually historical) mystery involved. I find books by both of them hard to put down...(ok...just a few more pages...ok, one more chapter !!! ) Both have lots of twists and turns !! Cheers from Central NYS !! 😀

[@HowToGYST]

Been there. "Just one more page." 😂

[@92wit]

Thank you for such video Laura 🥰 this year I am planning to be gentle to myself aka leave myself the f alone 😝 so this recap of gentle, slow day full of motivation but with the time to read and at your own pace hit perfect with me. Thanks for showing that it can be done! Regarding books, I too am reading fiction and non fiction at the same time, at all times, but with the non fiction I've started to highlight the quotes and storing the pictures of passages in my Trello app, as well as my thoughts on those in the form of short notes. I really enjoy that. Thanks again and greetings from Poland 😊

[@HowToGYST]

It was a lovely pace. I felt like I got a lot done but still had plenty of time to relax. Perfect!

[@onimendez7735]

If you haven't read :The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Trilogy (3 books of course) There are all engrossing. I couldn't put each down. (Fictional) Also, another older favorite is "The Girl On The Train" I read some years ago and they remain 2 my favorite mystery thrillers. Always enjoy your content. Thank you! Best wishes for 2024🎉

[@HowToGYST]

I've read them and loved them! Have you seen the movie adaptations of "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo"? There's a Swedish version and an American version.

[@onimendez7735]

@@HowToGYST Yes, I did watch both versions. As much as Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara were excellent, I still prefer the original Swedish version. I tend to enjoy foreign films, so may be I'm biased. 😉

[@HowToGYST]

I much preferred the Swedish version too. Much grittier.

[@cynthiabotsko2449]

Wonderful stuff... Inspiring as always! ❤️♾️❤️

[@HowToGYST]

Aw, thank you so much, Cynthia.

[@missinthecastle3335]

Frieda Mc Fadden if you like Psychological Thriller Genre!

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you!

[@susanparker534]

The Silent patient…

[@HowToGYST]

On my list! 😁

[@bethstratton3391]

I love that you are extending your New Years re-set. It’s great regarding your closet that you almost had a one-in one-out method when it came to buying new clothes this year. I remember when you had so many clothes packed into that space and now I think your wardrobe is becoming far more curated and intentional. Anyway, If you want two great recommendations for a non-fiction and a fiction book may I suggest ‘Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience’ by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, as it’s really great and I learned so much from this book. Also, anything by Raynor Winn, her trilogy The Salt Path, The Wild Silence and Landlines are so life affirming and a joyous read.

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you! I read "Flow" many years ago. Such a great idea, and something I've been steadily working on. I had great success with it after I read Cal Newport's "Deep Work". Not familiar with Raynor Winn's books but will look her up!

[@tlplante1]

My favorite books are the Outlander series and the Tolkien series

[@HowToGYST]

Gotta love Tolkien. Truly epic books.

[@marthaosborne9625]

I love Outlander Novels and all the Lord John side books!!!❤

[@deborahcole1045]

"All the Light We Can Not See" Anthony Doerr

[@HowToGYST]

On my list. 😁

[@Patriotgrl01]

Lately I’ve been into reading historical fiction books. The last book I read was A Hero of Our Time. It’s great! I’m going to start The Fountains of Silence soon. But that’s my genre lately 😊

[@HowToGYST]

I have a few historical fiction books on my list. 😁

[@HannahRainbow88]

I recommend Bernard Cornwell's series of books about Uhtred if you like Vikings and Saxons. My ex and I were lucky to go to a books&history chat with him and Michael Wood 🤩 many years ago, and Andy even gave him a few pointers that appeared in the 4th book! (We were reenactors 😊)

[@Patriotgrl01]

@@HannahRainbow88 Thank you for the recommendations! I will be having surgery in about a month so I'll need some things to read while recovering 😊

[@HannahRainbow88]

@@Patriotgrl01 oh bless you, I hope all goes well and it's a quick recovery.

[@Patriotgrl01]

@@HannahRainbow88 thank you so much!! 😊

[@biancahagenberg7471]

Have you read The Neverending Story? The book is very different from the movie, much deeper. My all-time favorite. 😊

[@HowToGYST]

Ooh, I haven't but I've just added it to my list! It's not as traumatising as the film, is it? You know the scene I'm talking about. 😉

[@biancahagenberg7471]

@@HowToGYST no worries, you will find it totally and positively different.

[@HowToGYST]

Excellent! Looking forward to diving in!

[@caseycolledge5675]

Mad Honey is a very good book!

[@HowToGYST]

Added it to my list! Thank you!

[@gretchenphillips9787]

@caseycolledge5675 Yes! I agree. I'm always happy to read a work by Jodi Picoult!

[@anyat686]

Im a long time past doing MarieKondo but still fold things, especially tea-towels. I also always thank items for their service ! 😂😂

[@HowToGYST]

She has a way of sticking with you. 😂

[@lizm4557]

Oh no! The music is back!

[@HowToGYST]

Yes, the music version performed a LOT better than the non-music version, sadly. But I tried to compromise by still including the natural sounds in this one and keeping the music pretty low. It was either this or continue to produce two different videos every week. 🫠

[@laurawood4476]

Generally not a big fan of music in videos however this wasn't distracting and really I hardly noticed it . I vote do what's easiest for you . Happy New Year .

[@lizm4557]

@HowToGYST That makes total sense! Thanks for the explanation. I will continue to watch either way because I adore your videos!

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you so much! 🥹