hot dogs & high fives

Happy new year! We’re a week into January and I am optimistic about my ability to stick to my goals and keep the big picture in mind.

A couple years back a friend recommended Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin. I enjoyed the book; every year Gretchen and her sister create a one-word theme and lists of goals for their year. Because of my 25 for ‘25 and what I’d like to achieve I have chosen Experience as my theme, check out my list:

My list is heavily inspired by the free time I am anticipating this summer. You see, on top of working full time and being an adult, I’ve been taking German classes for the last couple years and will be done in May of 2025 (!!!). I have been looking ahead to what I can do in the time formerly filled with homework. There are so many new things to try and old projects to finally complete. Not to mention, having the time and mental capacity to do more with my family.  

Additionally, the list is heavily influenced by Cait Flanders’ book Year of Less. While my situation and circumstances do not parallel what Cait discusses in the book, it never fails to get me PUMPED on reprioritizing what is important to me – I reread it almost every year. Her book inspires me to take inventory of my possessions (literally write it down) and do an honest assessment of what I own and reflect on what is actually important, which guided me to my theme of Experience. 

2024 was amazing in so many ways, but it presented me with new and unique challenges. My work and school loads are expected to be lighter this year and I am going to squeeze everything I can from that time, since I lost out on so much last year. 

A lot of grown ups think resolutions are hokey, but I love thinking long term. Small goals, 25 to be precise, are a great way to take the baby steps to be successful at achieving the big picture resolutions goals. Hooray for a fresh start, and good luck to us all!

High five,

KB