Every year when the clock strikes midnight on December 31 st and the New Year begins, we start a clean slate complete with new resolutions and plans for a happier and healthier year that is more productive than the previous one. Every year I set the same goals, and obviously, I don’t succeed as I have to re-set them over and over, and some years, in defiance, I resolve not to make any resolutions. So, this year, I am making one resolution: ONE that I know I can keep and will make my life better. I am giving myself a bedtime. I need more sleep, and more importantly, I need more discipline to make myself go to bed at a decent hour. It’s like being stuck in that toddler phase where I do everything in my power to avoid going to bed. Always known as a “night owl,” my late-night tendencies came in handy when my kids were tweens because I was always the mom of the group that would do the late pick up for parties and events. But, the proverbial party is over and it’s time for me to be an adult. My friend Cheryl (@eatreal_w_lollygirl) always posts about how sleeping 7-8 hours per night is as important to our bodies as eating a balanced diet and exercising. In fact, her posts are what got me to re-evaluate my sleeping habits. I know I can do this to be a healthier version of me! In addition to revamping your family’s lifestyle, the New Year can be a time to analyze your family’s budget for better monetary outcomes. In the article, “11 Ways to Have Fun While Saving Money,” Callie Collins writes about how to save money while making it fun instead of perceiving it as a chore. Some of her tips include spending more family time together on walks and cooking at home instead of eating out or going to the gym. She has a lot of good ideas that you can check out on page14. With a healthier body and more money in the bank, you can make 2024 a year to check off another item on your bucket list. KCFM asked its readers what they want to add to their life goals in the article, “Readers Respond: Bucket List Topics,” on page 8.In her monthly article, Callie Collins features a Bakersfield native with a personal commitment to the community in the article, “Hello,

Happy (Caring) Mama: Elaine Moore Shares her Perspective on Parenting and the Bigger Picture.” With a full busy schedule as a Deputy Chief Probation Officer with the Youth Services Bureau of Kern County Probation, she has learned how to show empathy and compassion to the children and families she serves as well as her own. To read all about her and her unique perspective, turn to page 10. January is such a fun month to start anew and try to change those pesky habits that we know aren’t the best for us. I know getting enough sleep is just one of the many things I need to work on, but I think it’s a good place to start – baby steps.

HERE’S TO 2024! Have a very Happy New Year!