Last year was hard, this year is going to be great!

[@TheJoelWood]

Let me know if you liked the video being early. It's 1pm UK time and I decided to post so that it's afternoon for Brits and morning for Americans and Canadians!

[@jeanettenfreeland1408]

I like it!!

[@duncanmast]

Yes much better than the usual 10pm UK time

[@Mahmah476]

Me, too! Happy New Year!

[@ryanc.8138]

It’s great!

[@mandybrewerrobinson4528]

👍🤩

[@chriscrossinthrulife6415]

Lost my mom January 4th, so my year has started out on a sad note. However, although I spent Christmas by my mom’s side at hospice, it was one of the best Christmases as I got to share her last season and year, holding her hand, kissing her, and telling an unconscious mom what a great mom she was and how much I loved her. It was actually a sweet, spiritual moment I will cherish.

[@Anita-rq9ev]

I'm very sorry for your loss, but glad you were able to spend christmas with her and it's lovely to see how much you cared, surely she felt your love 🙏

[@deetles98]

I lost my mom in December 2022, five days before Christmas, her favorite holiday. It’s very hard to lose a parent especially around the holidays but you were there for her and that’s what matters most. Going forward there will be days that you think of her more often than others and times that may be hard to proceed and process, but go with the flow and allow your grief to happen. Looking back now that it’s been a year(and both my parents passed in 2022…in their 90’s) I feel a lot better and ready to take on some new challenges. I hope you get through the process as easily as possible, just keep moving and doing your thing and you will get there.

[@CathyMiller0711]

It’s a sacred honor to be able to walk a loved one home. So sorry you lost your mom but glad you were able to be there with her.

[@janicesuddath9737]

So sorry for your loss. What a blessing for your Mom that you were by her side. Sending good healing energy your way.

[@melanie98d]

So sorry for your loss. Take your time with the grief journey. Everyone moves through it in their own way.I lost my Mom in 2020 and each new year brings up different memories we shared. It's hard but learning to love each and every one.❤

[@shawnmarie459]

You are the 2nd vlogger I've watched today who has said they feel bad "just" posting day-to-day at home vlogs. I'm here to tell you that these are some of my favorites! I like the cozy "day in the life" catch-ups. I have to say, I also really like your combined family channel 💕

[@orielwiggins2225]

Same!!!

[@kencairns532]

SAME!! 😂

[@briankelly85]

“You are planting seeds now and one day when you least expect those flowers will bloom. Trust the process.”

[@kennethdodemaide8678]

Most people would be very happy to achieve half of what you have accomplished during the year. Most importantly, Joel, you made 2023 enjoyable for thousands of people with your posts and you should be proud of it. Thank you for all you do.

[@orielwiggins2225]

Yes!!! This!!!

[@DaveLara]

Please do not lose any weight. Your look now is perfect.

[@julietarpey4216]

Nice chatty vlog and stop being so hard on yourself. You work really hard for us all you need to enjoy it too 😂❤❤❤

[@rickboshaw7026]

Have to say, after getting use to seeing you everyday, feel pretty lost and empty without you there. Welcome back!!!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I’m so happy that you took out the time for yourself. Given how hectic the last year has been, it was much deserved. Here’s to peace and stability. Happy New Year! *KEEP WAFFLING*

[@jordan.mi7774]

Try not to use Addiction Rehabilitation and that American psychobabble. How I work is seeing what I do or my kids do that turns out to be normal. Be confident. There's no point in a diagnosis if there is no fix to be performed by someone else. Codependent behaviour is abnormally manipulating someone to engage in criminal behaviour then complaining about it or them while profiting from it.

[@michaelturner5722]

Happy New Year, Joel! I am looking forward to another year with you as my on line friend. I do feel like I know you and I intend to introduce you to some of my other friends here in the US. I send you best wishes from San Francisco! P.S. You are so comfortable in front of a camera, a real skill. I think that is one of the huge reasons why I am so interested and involved in your chit-chat.

[@harmonydesroches]

I'm glad you posted earlier. I'm able to watch before work instead of after!

[@victoriawalters7107]

Hi Joel, I would love to see more on book recommendations, book reviews, your book collection and maybe take us to book charity shops. I would love to series reviews, what you recommend watching and KZbin people to watch.

[@BusyBeeMaree]

Totally understand the moving thing. I did the same but I went from the Cotswolds to Las Vegas. So lovely idyllic peace and quiet to crazy town. Love your channel. ❤

[@dianehackett4197]

I’d love to see you n keghan do a charity shop challenge, also would love to see you cook a 3 course meal for each other for less than £10,think it would be funny to watch n also give us all cheap date nice meal ideas ❤😊

[@dr.westwood]

I’ve been under the weather much of the holiday season. This week starts the remodel of our kitchen. Ripping out the old cabinets and countertops. After that I need to get the greenhouse erected and start planning this year’s garden. Sorry you didn’t enjoy the Valdemar universe or the Raymond Feist books. I thought Valdemar would especially be up your street with the horses and all. This year I’m trying to put a little more structure and self-discipline in my life.

[@elaineturcotte1043]

Happy New Year (Okay to say all of January!) Best of luck to you and Keegan, Ava and Fen, your families and friends. I look forward to your videos and always love hearing your adventures, day to day ramblings and plans!

[@robertschwartz4810]

I think 99% of happiness is felt in retrospect.

[@beatrizcrespovazquez1815]

Don't over think your channel!! I love your videos! Have them on replay!!!

[@aekelly]

I love hippy hippy woo woo! 😂🤣😅 I love just hearing how you're doing and your plans/goals you have! Enjoy Florida! Did I hear you were in Boston some time last year? Come back! 😊

[@chrisk5651]

I feel so jealous of your new chapter. It is very very tough to move especially the move that you made but I think you did a great job!! I've enjoyed your videos better this year!

[@harvestmoon_autumnsky]

Love hearing your latest news, books you're reading, goals, only now cleaning out your childhood bedroom even though you're (thirty?). I laugh every time you say, I bet no one finds that interesting, did I just bore everyone. Because I say that a lot too. But we do find it interesting. Curious about your finances because I never had someone to talk to about that, where I don't feel stupid asking questions. I love to hear you waffle on. I hope you make time for KZbin, once a week is fine if you're feeling overwhelmed, and putting your eggs in other platforms' baskets. I would miss you if you stopped.

[@BrokebackBob]

Hi Joel this posting time is really great!

[@sandyback4665]

So far my new year is going just the same as last year. I have spinal stenosis so the pain is overwhelming. I hope my doctors can come up with a plan to help with the pain. I am hopeful. Glad to see you again and that you are doing well.

[@Howdy1957]

Me too, exercise is key with SS, also wt control!

[@RenMar1108]

Former people pleaser here. People pleasers wear their partners out. They eventually get decision fatigue from always having the responsibility of making decisions. People pleasers don’t realize it makes them come across as apathetic. Tough habit to break, but so worth the effort. Good luck

[@cathyhellen5519]

ALL my friends say,"Let's go out to eat and catch up". Just once l would love them to just once pick the place. It's not like I'm a picky eater, by any means. Yes l know l said just once twice because l am weary of being the decision maker and hope they see this since l have suggested your channels to the majority of them.

[@hollykinslow5193]

Joel, Happy New Year! I have always for years now enjoyed your videos. Actually, you are the only YT person I follow. I like that you are real with your viewers, and have solid boundaries on what to share, which is a lot, and what you want to keep private. All of those make us feel special and important to you. I gave up specific goals many years ago. I now focus on one word. This year my word is: FREEDOM. Freedom from financial woes, freedom with my health, freedom of negative thinking (that's where affirmations are very helpful) Thank you for picking up that camera, doing the work, and getting your audience to engage and make connections. Really, that's what it's all about. Always ❤.

[@joemalick]

I love your “one word” goal idea Holly, I think I’m going to borrow that! 🙂 Happy 2024!

[@hollykinslow5193]

@joemalick Of course! For years making specific goals were gone by the end of January. The one word thing can apply to anything that comes up! Happy 2024!

[@joemalick]

@@hollykinslow5193 Exactly! Love it! 🙌

[@jinimcclelland]

I’ll be waving from downtown Orlando where I live - when y’all are here!

[@thisisbs808]

Agree with other commenters, love Good Reads for tracking all I have read or want to read!

[@Jamnicity]

Hearing all of your goals makes me want to be more motivated to get a lot done this year. In actuality, I just lost my mom in December, so my main goal is getting through the year of firsts without her with as much positivity and gratitude as I can. More superficially, my kids’ closets and my office closet have been a hot mess for years, and I want this to be the year that I FINALLY de-clutter and whip them into shape.

[@rebeccahwark8838]

Yes! Part 2 and MORE!

[@karencarson7232]

I like the early video. That way, I don't have to wait until the next day to watch. Please tell me the self improvement app you are using, it looks great! Happy New Year to you, Joel!

[@robs4574]

Joel I’d love to see you explore your people pleasing tendencies. I’m exactly the same and am finally realizing it doesn’t always serve me well, not to say I don’t still do it of course 🙄

[@joemalick]

Great vlog, Joel, welcome back! I think your adjusting during 2023 was a huge goal achieved, you did great with that and should be really proud! I know I would have been so nervous with that kind of change! Your investment property goal is so exciting, I know that would be a big one for you, hope you find a great place! Can you share what that affirmation app is, I’d love to have that. And non-fiction book reviews would be awesome, there’s so many out there, I’d love to hear some honest real reviews! Happy 2024, we’re here for the whole ride with you! 🙌❤

[@orielwiggins2225]

Happy new year, Joel. Like others said, I love the waffling and your sharing daily life vlogs and NOT being the perfectly set up organized perfect video KZbinr is actually so much better, the other seems a bit too perfect and unrealistic to watch often. But I am always looking forward to anything you post and never have been disappointed yet. Also, you herbs done so much this year especially giving so many of us a lot of fun and real videos to keep our hearts warm and give us something to look forward to. And your goals seem really nice. But do what you advised us, take care of you and be kind to yourself. It's not about perfection. We love you, no matter.

[@lawrenceakini4981]

Take care. Happy New Year. Have an amazing day! Cheers.

[@BobsCreativeDays]

Loved the video. I started watching when it came out this morning but then life got in the way. So I finished it before bed. All this to say that it doesn’t matter to me what time it gets posted I will watch whenever it comes out. Also I am in the same boat as you weight wise. I have gained 25 lbs since the summer and need to lose it all again. But at 60 this is harder than when I was in my 30s. That is my one goal for 2024. See you next time Joel.

[@joannunemaker6332]

Happy New Year! It's good seeing you.😊❤

[@franciscajimenez9703]

Love the waffling as usual 😊

[@sheilaghann]

Great to have you back vlogging again. to be honest just love all your vlogs like seeing what you get up and to watch your vlogs helps me to relax after a busy day at work. Todays vlog was good cause it was nice to see you chatting away and telling us your goals, although bit worried as you talk about tik tok and Instagram being more money making that it sounds like you wont do so much on you tube . I would be interested in you doing a vlog about people pleasing as i am also like you in that way worry to much about making others happy too,

[@henrytree1936]

Joe I wanna say a big thank you to you cuz I can learn a lot of way to express in English which are really practical. Also I am picking up southerner‘s accent from you even if I lived in Liverpool in 2023. You indeedly helped my English to be better：） Hope you have a lovely 2024

[@paulwilliams61]

Happy New Year, Joel. Looking forward to your vlogs in 2024. Its about time you took some time off and had a break. I hope you feel better for doing so.

[@stepps511]

I very much liked this video, Joel! It's good to be reminded that you/we are all human beings. Happy New Year!

[@wehojm7320]

You’re like most of us. You make plans and goals for the year and then at the end of the year you realize not all of those goals or plans were fulfilled. What happened?! Life happened. Be happy in the fact you lived it instead of being so ridged and not being open to new experiences. From where I’m sitting you accomplished and shared a lot. Continue perusing your goals and “being Joel”.👍🙏😎

[@sherribennett1980]

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication last year. My new years goals are to be more present in the life of my famiy.

[@butchie54]

New Year with my partner so far has been very quiet. I have chronic sciatic syndrome which makes doing things difficult at times. We are hoping to become more active and more healthy. Hope you and Keegan and family have a super 2024. ❤️😁

[@michaelmullard4292]

Always enjoy hearing about your Progress, your RH! Happy 2024!

[@g2bk]

I started with Throne of Glass series. I started my kids on it too. They we in jail and not readers. They got hooked. I personally bought 5 sets of the series for the library and 2 sets of the court series. She is an excellent creator of worlds and characters who turn out behaviors unexpectedly.

[@g2bk]

A good professional book for you: Steven L. Sears The Non-User-Friendly Guide For Aspiring TV Writers: Experience and Advice From the Trenches. You should find it interesting and amusing.

[@stephaniegonsalves2810]

I'm glad you're back on. I must admit, I was sad and worried not seeing your videos. I can relax now lol. I'm glad everything is well with you ❤

[@orielwiggins2225]

Oh my goodness yes! So glad you finally started the TOG book series, can't wait to hear what you think about it.

[@lexiyoung6471]

your get there

[@thomasbanaszak2688]

Happy New Year. 🎉.

[@VMeral]

Happy New Year Joel! Hopefully you've had a wonderfull holidays and new Years Eve!! Sending love and happiness for this new Year! Don't think bad about this video okay? For the very first time I spent new years Eve without my parents. I was with a Friend and all of it was very strange without my parents. Fun but strange I really like to listen to you talk about anything and all, that's what life is right. And the time this video goes life is perfect for me!!

[@CathyMiller0711]

My goodness, it’s great to take stock of one’s life and direction but that’s an awful lot of goals! I feel like you are a very productive, self reflective person anyway. Happy New Year. Nice to see you back.

[@Inessence4]

Don’t lose any more body please Joel. Substance is nice.

[@gilesrevelstoke4792]

It is nice that you can share your public life with all of us, and speak candidly about it. I really like your approach to reading. I have been using a similar approach for many, many years. I read in threes, but I do not replace any one of the three until I have completed all the books in the set. I find, that way, I can push myself on the non-fiction books and not get overtaken by the fiction writings. I read: 1. a non-fiction book (on any subject really), 2. a history or biography, and 3. a piece of fiction. Over the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, I did break the cycle and read all eight of the Josh Lanyon Secrets and Scrabble series because I saw that one of your subscribers had sent it to you for Christmas. They are really quick reads and enjoyable. My reading goal, in case you are interested, every year is 75 books--one from each of the three genres stated. (I made 115 in 2023, but only because I can set aside dedicated reading time, unlike most people). Hope you reach your goals and have a wonderful 2024!

[@hugshoney3409]

Find this quite interesting. Thank you. 🎉

[@sangteihmar1091]

Happy New Year Joel...soooo good 2 c u back...u hv got a perfect physique now, u don't have 2 loose ur weight...👍🏻

[@deetles98]

I thought this was a good video because a lot people are trying to plan, set goals, get organized for the new year. I like your videos where you take us along to attractions around England and the rest of the UK as I am in the U.S. and love seeing your country. Someday I hope to get there! I too am a people pleaser and I do feel it drives my husband nuts when I say “whatever you want” especially when we are figuring out what to do for dinner and I too have had to say what I really want…definitely a work in process! You have so many great goals for the year, sounds like you will be busy. Last year does sound like it was quite the adjustment period, it’s amazing how much time it can take to make these big adjustments. It sometimes feels like it was waited time, but if it was time well spent then I guess we have to see it that way and move forward with strong convictions. I hope 2024 is very good to you, remember to be good to yourself too. My thing for 2024 is getting fit and trying to actually lose this additional 40lbs I’ve been carrying for too long. I grabbed a bunch of fitness and diet books at the library yesterday and got a workout just from dragging them around! Would love to see what your new wardrobe items will be!

[@ScottRandolph-dd7dr]

🎉2024 salutations from coastal Mississippi. Thank you my dear friend for 2023 videos. Looking forward to sharing adventures with you in 2024❤

[@stephaniel3032]

Cheap and cheerful. Love that! 😂

[@ingedebacker8937]

I love to see you daily vlogs 👌!

[@markwagner4909]

2023 sucked I lost one of my younger brothers the first of June, then l lost one of my younger sisters two weeks after our brother both from cancer and two weeks after my sister my best friend passed away suddenly My partner ended up in the hospital three times with a surgery cutting out a 9 inch section of his colon. We closed that chapter of 2023 And 2024 is going to be spectacular Life just came to a stop 2024 is a clean slate

[@markclancy129]

@Joel Wood. Happy New Year Joel! What’s the daily affirmation app you use? Would love a good recommendation. Thank you. 🇨🇦🤗

[@caesarchris]

Very motivating and inspirational. Thanks for sharing.

[@jamesromaine4321]

Love love the video

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Omg Keegan and you doing affirmations would be fun to witness.

[@Howdy1957]

Joel, really enjoyed this blog!

[@TheJoelWood]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I’m that shameless person who can say Happy New Year till 11:59 pm on 31st January.

[@ashp5597]

Happy new year Joel! I’ve read the throne of glass series and I absolutely loved it. I think you will enjoy it too.☺️

[@catherineschulte6828]

doubt you see this but here's idea to help with the water drinking. I use MIOs flavoring to flavor the water. Still get your water in just not a boring as plain ole water.

[@lisamariedavis7349]

Trying to keep healthy

[@CherylannTurner-pr5bl]

Love the earlier video! Happy new year to you and yours!

[@asdt2858]

I’d love to see your book reviews of non fiction books!!

[@colleensnyder8943]

Happy New Year Joel!

[@ColeWixted]

I share in your fitness goals this year! I had weight loss surgery in 2020 and lost about 160 lbs, then by no means of my own, was put on a medication post car accident late 2022 that brought on almost 40 lbs in a year’s time. I’m not on it any longer, and the weight has plateaued, but now I need to take at least half it off!!

[@roxannerobinson9173]

We all have moments where we literally cba with much 🤣 If ur stuck for ideas why not do a current Favourites video or take us shopping to get ya new monthly top 😆 could do a fun cooking session with Easter coming up...(Ps this was the first video i watched 🤣❤)

[@anniepowell7559]

Love your videos 🇨🇦🇨🇦🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

[@gazaman7561]

Happy New Year Mr Hirst ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@tamarawagner2157]

Love that you are back and I'm a people pleaser too I think it's a libra thing n itdrives my grown k8ds nuts but I'm getting better at it . Happy new year to you all

[@valeriehill6382]

Happy NY Joel, always lovely to see you ❤

[@jackb1000]

You may already be aware of this but if not I'll mention it. When you were talking about voice over work, my sister and I were just talking about how many spokesmen in commercials here in the US are British. Even actors in commercials. Hopefully your agent is aware of this market too.

[@stephaniel3032]

Great video. Motivated me to get some goals set. Thanks Joel!!

[@RobLobb321]

PLEASE READ FOURTH WING AND IRON FLAME! I’m obsessed and if you like ACOTAR, then you will probably like the Empyrean Series. I just finished Iron Flame and I feel lost without it/don’t know how I will wait about a year for the 3rd book! It’s set to be a 5 book series.

[@jenniferciliberto]

I would Love your book reviews!!

[@Brooksie603]

A great way to track your books is on GoodReads (Cherry is in there) or StoryGraph. You can make a reading goal and as you read you can mark when you start and finish the books as well as rate them 1-5 ⭐️ and give a review too if you like. Then at the end of the year if gives you stats on your full year sort of like Spotify for books. You can create shelves to put them in to seperate however you wish or not at all. It also will give info on books you might be interested in and you can see what new books are coming each month. I started Throne of Glass ⚔️ after ACOTAR 🌹too and it took me a bit to settle into new characters but ended up loving that series too. I finished the last book of it just before the new year. That one is massive but since I listened to them all on Audible it didn’t seem so intimidating. If you want to save space on your bookshelf and also save money get them on Audible. Then you can listen while you walk the dogs or to Dunkin’s to work, while working making thumbnails etc. Maybe your agent can get you a brand deal with them 🤔 Waffling, sorry 😅 Then I started her 🌟Crescent City series (that took a bit to get used to as well) and I’m done with those in time for the 3rd book that is releasing at the end of this month. At the end of book 2, characters from ACOTAR make an appearance so now I’m even more excited to read the third one. 🎉 apologies for the novel sized comment 😂

[@johnhelwig8745]

Cheers for a successful and fun 2024! Looking forward to the new year. One thing I think you should add to your 2023 goals is that you did, sort of, acquired an investment property since you and Lisa are renting out your London house.

[@mandybrewerrobinson4528]

Happy New Year Dear 🤩🥰 No goals here, just trying to have some fun lol Maybe be less stressed 🤷‍♀️ Here in Ohio, USA it's 9 am & I'm on a 25 min break at work. I've got french toast, smoked sausage, and mixed fruit. Cantelope, grapes, and blueberries.

[@donschreifels7360]

Hey Joel from Toronto Canada nice to take my morning coffee and to watch your video. Do invest in one good stylish pair of jeans with a dress shoe and nice shirt and/or jacket it will be a wonderful addition to your updated clothing selection. Have great year....

[@PokhrajRoy.]

First video of the year and the Outro is perfect ❤

[@theghosthuntergal]

Felt good to catch up. I follow you on IG, so I always get my fill, 😋 but it’s great that you shared some time here.

[@lelandpeck4585]

Joel, your vlogs ARE NEVER BORING! Loved to hear all you plans for the new year. I, for one, have never made resolutions - however I might make one this year - to give more blood! I have O-negative and can give blood to anyone. They keep asking for my blood constantly. Joel, are you near-sighted, far-sighted. Am curious how that would work. B

[@OuranMom101]

Keep going Joel!! Happy New Year too!!☺

[@kelly1827]

Good morning kiddo! Love the "chit chat" and DITL videos, like having a catch up with a friend. What is the app you use for affirmations? It looks interesting and useful. Have a great week! xx

[@kellieroth1710]

Happy new year Joel!🎉🎉❤❤

[@jazzyjoshhands]

Happy New Year! I hope 2024 is great for everyone! Joel, how far out from London are you? I can relate. Got moved from Dallas as a child 30 minutes into the country. This was a big deal in the 80's b/c it was still mostly rurual outside the city limits to the point that I went from one of the cool kids to the kid who got asked if I rode cattle to school. I think it's good to have the tranquility of the country and the closeness of a city sometimes. Other times, you both might find London calling. Maybe you could invest in a flat of some sort or duplex. Rent one side out for income and the others is yours to stay in for trips to London?

[@juliebrooke6099]

He lives about 185 miles from London, two hours on the train or three and a half (minimum) by car.

[@gwynethglas-brown9171]

Hope 2024 a Good year for you & Keegan 🥰

[@lindagarcia8826]

Hi Joel 7am in Austin Texas works out fine for me. Happy New Year❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@MaryMary-pr4iu]

I prefer your style of videos... you're my favorite you tuber! 🤗💕

[@Solomumtoone]

Happy New Year to you all , I have the same book goal looking forward to seeing what you are reading x

[@johndory6311]

Hi Joel seeing that u live in the north of England I would love if you could go to grassinton where my favourite show is filmed all creatures great and small and take a video of the old buildings and village it would be a dream come. true for me .

[@mrgoodfind4949]

I’m working in West Africa - I drink 4-5 liters of water a day cause of the Harmattan season so my skin is in the best state. I also use CeraVe facial cleanser and moisturizer.