The Best of 2024: The Books, Movies, Habits and Hobbies We Loved This Year.

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The Best of 2024: A Year of Self-Discovery

As the clock struck midnight on December 31st, 2024, people around the world celebrated the start of a new year, reflecting on the moments, milestones, and memories that made the previous 12 months worthwhile. For many, 2024 was a year of self-discovery, marked by a desire to explore new interests, rekindle old passions, and develop healthier habits. In this article, we’ll revisit the best of 2024, highlighting the books, movies, habits, and hobbies that stole our hearts and left a lasting impact.

Releasing the Book Scene

Books have a unique way of transporting us to new worlds, introducing us to new characters, and broadening our perspectives. In 2024, readers were treated to an array of must-reads that explored themes of love, loss, and the human condition.

• The Heart Principle by Claire North: This captivating novel follows a young girl’s journey to find love and acceptance in a world where technology has advanced beyond recognition. This thought-provoking book sparked conversations about the implications of AI on human relationships.
• The Loser’s Club by Erwin Morton: Set in 1950s New York City, this historical fiction novel explores the lives of a group of misfits who form an unlikely bond, seeking solace in a world that seems determined to leave them behind.
• The Dictionary of Lost Words by Ami McKay: This poignant story pays homage to the lives of women who were erased from history, their works and contributions ignored or forgotten. This beautifully written novel is a testament to the power of language and the importance of preserving our collective history.

These books, and many more like them, gave us a chance to disappear into different worlds, to laugh, to cry, and to reflect on our own place within the grand tapestry of human experience.

A Year of Cinematic Delights

As the lights dimmed, and the projector whirred to life, 2024 was a year of cinematic magic, with movies ranging from heartwarming dramas to pulse-pounding action films. Here are a few of the most unforgettable releases that left audiences riveted:

• Crazy//Love: An exploration of the complexities of relationships, this rom-com tackles themes of love, trust, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.
• The Imaginary: A heartwarming animated film about a young boy who befriends a talking book, this movie reminds us that creativity and imagination are the keys to unlocking our full potential.
• The 355: A spy thriller that tackles the spy game with wit, charm, and a dash of humor, this film Nods to the best of the James Bond franchise, while introducing new faces and fresh plots.

These movies took us on a journey of self-discovery, challenging our beliefs, and testing our limits. They inspired us to be bold, to take risks, and to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Habits to Embrace

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it’s easy to get caught up in the drama and stress of our daily routines. However, 2024 was a year that encouraged us to adopt new habits, ones that brought balance, clarity, and purpose to our lives. Here are some of the most popular habits that made a significant impact:

• Mindfulness Meditation: By embracing mindfulness, we can quiet the constant chatter in our minds, focus on the present, and cultivate a sense of inner wisdom.
• Journaling: Writing down our thoughts, our fears, and our hopes can help us process our emotions, gain clarity, and develop a deeper understanding of who we are and what we want.
• Gratitude Practice: Focusing on what we are grateful for each day can help shift our mindset, foster a sense of contentment, and attract more positivity into our lives.

These habits have shown us that by making time for self-reflection, by nurturing our inner wisdom, and by being mindful of our thoughts, we can create a more fulfilling, more purposeful life.

Hobbies to Pursue

As we continue to navigate the ever-changing world around us, hobbies remain a vital part of our lives, providing a much-needed escape, a way to unwind, and a means to express ourselves. In 2024, many of us discovered new passions, reignited old flames, and explored the depths of our creative potential. Here are a few of the most popular hobbies that we fell in love with:

• Photography: With the rise of smartphone cameras and social media, photography has become more accessible than ever. This hobby has allowed us to capture the beauty of the world, to preserve memories, and to tell captivating stories.
• Gardening: As our focus on sustainability grows, so does our interest in gardening. Tending to our own little corner of the world can be a therapeutic, meditative experience that connects us to nature and to ourselves.
• Cooking: Cooking has become an art form, with new recipes, new techniques, and new ingredients emerging every year. This hobby allows us to explore new cultures, to experiment with flavors, and to create meals that nourish both body and soul.

These hobbies have given us a chance to express ourselves, to explore the world, and to connect with others who share our passions. They remind us that life is a canvas, and we’re the artists, painting it with every brushstroke, every color, and every emotion.

As we look back on the best of 2024, we’re reminded that it’s not just about the past; it’s about the present and the future. It’s about embracing new habits, exploring new hobbies, and holding onto the memories that make life worth living. So, as we step into a new year, let’s carry these lessons with us, and remember that the best is yet to come.