The end of a calendar year is a GREAT time to reflect on life, as it offers a unique opportunity to pause and assess the journey one has taken over the past twelve months. This period serves as a natural transition, prompting individuals to evaluate their accomplishments, challenges, and personal growth. It is also an ideal moment to identify things that need to go—be it negative thought patterns, unproductive habits, or toxic relationships that no longer serve a purpose in one’s life. Letting go of these elements can create space for positivity and renewal. Furthermore, this reflective time encourages the formation of new habits that can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced lifestyle. Whether it’s committing to regular exercise, adopting healthier eating practices, or dedicating time to mindfulness and self-care, the end of the year is a perfect catalyst for such changes. In addition, it is a time for resolutions to make—setting tangible goals that inspire growth and development in the coming year. These resolutions can range from personal aspirations, such as learning a new skill or traveling to new places, to professional objectives, like advancing in one’s career or enhancing workplace relationships. By taking the time to thoughtfully consider these aspects, individuals can enter the new year with clarity, purpose, and a renewed sense of motivation to make positive changes in their lives.
The first New Year's Eve after finding out about my husband's affair, I went with new friends dancing and actually had a male acquaintance (now friend) kiss me at midnight. In 2022, I had resolved to have no soda or carbonated drinks and no alcohol. So with that kiss was my first sip of both in 365 days. I had decided to do that in order to lose weight - I didn't drink much, but when I did, I ate badly and then fell off my healthy eating bandwagon. I think God had known that if I was drinking in that September, I would have become an alcoholic. I actually wanted a drink shortly after finding out my life had been a lie, and my friend and colleague that I confided in told me, "Don't let him stop you from being you." CL - you are a wise, wise man, and that tidbit helped me through a lot.
So as you look at what 2025 may remove or bring, think about trying new things, learning who you are. Don't just give something up, or pick a superficial, never-going-to-stick-with-it task. Each new year, each new day, you get to pick who you are going to be. You also get to build who you will be. For ideas, below is my list from 2023. And in 2025, I've gotten one of those State Adventures scratch-off decks, and I am going to try 50 new things!
"For my 45th trip around the sun I am going to try 45 "new" experiences as I figure out WHO I am after my world was shaken to it's core 9/18. Feel free to make a suggestion!"
No longer think I have to be nice to anyone who does not respect me - remove them from my life in all ways possible. (Continued work in progress)
Country line dancing
Uncle/niece project record and share!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KHJRl0OPiuY&feature=share
Hiking in VA
Collard greens
Go to Wooden Door Winery
Stop People Pleasing: clean up social media of the fake "friends & family" that are here bc they can't hit the unfriend button themselves bc they know their reasoning is misguided and they wouldn't want to be treated the same way...
30 day yoga program
Go dancing on NYE and ring in the New Year doing all the New Years things!
Hold baby goats and go on hike with them.
Attend Poker Night AND learn to play!
Watch baby goats be born and help after and bottle feed!
Tattoo
Write/record ORIGINAL song with Uncle Mark.
Try Golfing
Take gun safety course
Have a tarot reading.
Professional Glamour Shots
Karaoke
Tubing down the river
Putt-putt golf!
Donate blood
Trip somewhere I've never been: Greenbrier
Attend kick off of Friday Night Lights
GET DIVORCED
Change my name back to maiden
Trip to somewhere I've never been: Myrtle Beach
Evening moonlight beach walk
Sunrise Yoga on the beach
Haunted house/maze
Fall festival-Apple Picking
Try fried oreos!
Power Red Donation
Hike to the Roanoke Star! (13,800ish steps)
Boudoir session
Try lamb
Go to the driving range
Take on a new job
Start a consulting business (work in progress but )
Turkey trot 5k!
Christmas lights on VA Beach
Ugly Christmas lights tour
Guided meditation
Indian food
Sky diving
Take a personality test - Myers Briggs - I'm ENFJ-T Protagonist
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