| New Year, Better Me |

It’s that magical time of the year again! The festive season fades, and with it comes the urge to hit the reset button on life. Whether it’s picking up where you left off or closing a few chapters to make space for new ones, the New Year always feels like an invitation to start fresh. I’ve been looking forward to writing this blog throughout December. Part of me wishes Christmas would linger a little longer, while the other part eagerly anticipates sitting down with a glass of Pinot Noir, jazz playing softly in the background, and putting my thoughts into words.

Writing this blog and creating my vision board has become a cherished ritual. It gives clarity to what I need to focus on and highlights areas that deserve more attention. This post isn’t about a “new year, new me.” I’ve worked hard to become the person I am today and have no intention of reinventing myself. Instead, I embrace the idea of “new year, better me.” There’s always room for growth, and I’m excited to share how I plan to make 2025 my most balanced and fulfilling year yet.

Reflecting on the Past Year

Last year was a journey of growth and discovery. Many items from my vision board came to life—not perfectly, but in ways that felt meaningful and encouraging. It’s a wonderful feeling to look back and see the progress I’ve made, even in small steps. I’m truly proud of how I’ve worked on my intentions and made strides in different areas of my life.

As I step into this new year, my focus is on finding better ways to manage my life and expanding my goals with intention. I want to dive deeper into what inspires personal growth and create space for hobbies and experiences that bring joy and fulfillment. It’s about building on the foundation I’ve laid and embracing opportunities to grow even more.

2025 Resolutions

This year, I’m excited to adopt some hobbies that promise joy, creativity, and a better sense of balance. Here are a few that have caught my attention:

• Activity-Based Outings: This year, I want to incorporate more activity-based outings with loved ones. Whether it’s pottery, cooking, painting, gardening, or attending unique one-night classes, these experiences not only create wonderful memories but also strengthen relationships.
• Intentional Gift-Giving: Moving beyond just objects, I want to focus on giving experiences that build deeper bonds. Whether it’s a shared adventure or a meaningful moment, these gifts can leave a lasting impression.
• Embracing Change: Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and I want to work on responding with grace rather than frustration. Adopting a mindset that allows for flexibility and focusing on creating new plans when things shift will help me approach challenges with a calmer perspective.
• Workout and Well-Being: This is something that appears on my list every year, but last year I didn’t commit to it as much as I wanted. In 2024, I aim to make morning or evening walks at least three times a week and strength training or Pilates two to three times a week a non-negotiable habit—just like washing my face. Building this routine into my life is essential for both my physical and mental health.
• Reading More Books: I want to dive into books that inspire, educate, and entertain. Setting aside dedicated reading time will help me explore new worlds and ideas.
• Listening to Impactful Podcasts: This year, I’ll focus on podcasts that challenge my perspective, teach valuable lessons, and leave me feeling motivated.
• Traveling to New Places: I plan to visit at least three destinations I’ve never been to before. Exploring new environments and cultures always brings a fresh perspective and enriches my life.
• Better Financial Habits: I’m committed to improving my financial planning and spending more intentionally. It’s about aligning my purchases with my values and focusing on long-term stability.
• Moving into a New Space: One of my goals for this year is to find and move into a space that better aligns with my lifestyle and goals. Creating a fresh, inspiring environment can make a world of difference in day-to-day living.
• Elevate: For those who’ve followed my journey from the start, you know how much work it took to get here. Nothing was handed to me, and I continue to put in the effort every day. I want to celebrate it & continue to elevate in every aspect of my life.
• Growing My Social Media: I want to be more active across all platforms. Creating content brings me so much joy, and I’m excited to share more. Inspiring others is my passion, and I plan to pour more energy into it this year.

As we step into the New Year, let’s leave behind the pressure of perfection and instead focus on progress. “New Year, Better Me” isn’t about drastic changes; it’s about embracing who we are while making thoughtful improvements. Whether it’s setting clear goals, picking up a new hobby, or simply savoring life’s little joys, 2025 is a fresh canvas waiting for your unique touch.

I’m truly grateful for the life I have and the opportunities to grow each year. As you can see, my goals aren’t extremely big, and that’s intentional. Over the years, I’ve learned that when it comes to setting goals, taking small steps toward the bigger picture is the most effective approach. Huge goals can feel overwhelming and discouraging when they take longer to achieve. However, breaking them down into manageable steps keeps the journey motivating and attainable.

So, grab your vision board supplies, pour that glass of wine, and let’s make this year unforgettable.