2023 was a very interesting year for pop culture. Both the Queen of England and Matthew Perry died. Big headphones and bows made surprising comebacks. Taylor Swift reinvented football. Britney Spears dropped her bombshell of a memoir. And Barbie brought back going to the movie theaters. But what is in store for 2024? Here is what is in and out according to The Globe staff.
August Stephens, Co-Opinions Editor
My “Ins” for 2024 include: protecting my peace, wearing more accessories, and learning how to create content for TikTok, Youtube, etc. I also want to learn more about bouldering, weight-lifting and plant-based recipes.
My “Outs” include not taking a break (or multiple breaks) during chronic illness flare-ups. I’ve found it’s so important to listen to your body throughout the past year. Additionally, not speaking up about boundaries which need to be respected when meeting new people, and not eating junk food for breakfast. Also, not allowing myself to be happy when life is actually going well. We all deserve joy.
Erin Yudt, Editor-In-Chief
New Year’s is always an interesting time for me. I love the idea of starting fresh, letting go of the past and reminding myself of my goals, but I hate the pressure to be the best version of myself right from the jump. Thus, I think what’s most in for 2024 is being kinder to yourself and setting realistic goals. Also, my ins include preparing for therapy sessions, paying attention in classes, early bedtimes, having a small, strong circle of genuine friends, setting boundaries, Percy Jackson and perfecting what to say when someone knocks on the bathroom stall you are in.
My outs for this year include not knowing what is going on (c’mon it’s an election year), self-service machines that require service, LinkedIn (does anyone really use it or see any benefit?), minimalism, crocheted everything, war, winged eyeliner and Stanleys; it is time to let the water bottle war end. No one should be camping out and fighting for a water bottle; it’s embarrassing. As long as you are using a reusable water bottle, it does not matter how “aesthetic” it is.
Carson Folio, Co-Opinions Editor
New Year’s is supposed to be for reflection and change, or to simply try and be better than you were last year. Unfortunately, I tend to struggle with this. Whether that involves thinking of what to do differently or sticking with my new promises, usually I forget what I wanted to be better at by the middle of February. Because of that, I have decided to stop worrying about how to change just for the sake of being different, instead of actually being a better version of myself. My “ins” for 2024 include being nicer to myself, acquiring more quirky trinkets, and cooking as much as possible in my oven-less dorm.
My outs for this year include not allowing people to disrespect my boundaries, not living in a space that is covered in dirt that I did not create, and doom scrolling. The tension headaches that form because of high screen time has to go.
Rachel Ross, Co-Features/A&E Editor
My biggest “Ins” for 2024 mostly pertain to health and well being; this year, I really want to focus on finding better routines for myself relating to nutrition and fitness. I also want to be kinder to myself in terms of work and expectations, giving myself breaks when I need them and taking time for things I enjoy more often. All around, I just want to make a conscious effort to take better care of myself.
I also want to make more of an effort to listen to new music; lately I feel like I’ve fallen into a rut of listening to the same things over and over again. I want to listen to some new groups and genres; expand my library a bit more.
Lastly, I want to read more books. I’ve been making an effort the past few months to read more, and I want to continue that into the new year. Much like music, I want to explore different genres and authors, and gain a better understanding of the kinds of books I like best.
As for “Outs,” I want to stop procrastinating when it comes to communication such as sending emails or making phone calls; while I’ve gotten better with these in recent years, I still tend to get a little anxious or apprehensive if I know I have to do either. So maybe next time I’m ordering out, I’ll try it over the phone instead of online.
In a more general, pop culture sense, my biggest “Out” is social media outlets that report on celebrities’ every move; I know this was a problem long before social media, but it’s certainly made things worse. I don’t need to know every time Kim Kardashian took a walk or Arianna Grande went to get her mail; it’s weird and unnecessary and it needs to stop.
