Sneak Peek into 2025

Why else are we here if not to live with an unreasonable passion for things? Arlene Lagos

Boy, do I have high expectations for 2025! A new year brings new mindsets, new experiences, and new friendships. EEK, I am so freaking pumped for all that God has in store for me. Although the ball dropping and the date changing do not do much, or in other words, should not do much because you can reinvent yourself at any given time in the year, it is still a fun little quirk humans do. We all get super ecstatic over the countdown, kissing loved ones at midnight, and celebrating new beginnings. How adorable is that?

I, along with millions of people, cumulated a list of spiritual, mental, and physical goals to strive for in 2025. They are specific to me, accompanied by reasons as to how I wish to accomplish them. I was originally planning on keeping this bucket list to myself; however, what better way to be held accountable for them than you guys making sure I am checking these boxes off? Here we go (in no specific order):

1. Embrace solitude with grace.

   Taking myself on cute, solo dates because my relationship with myself is just as important as my relationships with others. Some ideas for solo dates include picnics, church and breakfast, movies at the theatre, dinner and a book, and day trips around Michigan.

2. Cultivate an understanding of fitness.

   I love moving my body and treating myself to a healthy lifestyle. Continuing to go to the gym is not necessarily the goal, but more or less learning about it. I want to dive deeper into what is beneficial for your body, nutritional-wise and exercise-wise. I am thinking maybe some fitness books or podcasts (drop recommendations).

3. Refuse to let food-related anxieties dictate my choices.

   I hardly ever mention my struggles with emetophobia on this platform, but know they are very much still real. My goal is to challenge myself and my mind to eat intimidating food (chicken, certain poultry, things past expiration dates by a few days, etc.). I let my fear surpass my health, and that ends in 2025. I love enjoying food; food is FUEL.

4. Nurture friendships rooted in faith.

   This is a bigggg one. I freaking love Jesus, and I love people who love Jesus. The bonds, the conversations, the vulnerability--give me all of it. My heart is so on fire for Him, and I hope to meet equally yoked people this year and share this love with them.

5. Venture near and far.

   The world is meant to be seen!!! I will not be passing up any opportunities this year to see it. I want to explore, get my hands and feet dirty, hike, run, hop on a train, whatever it is, let me achieve it. Traveling is the most freeing thing, and everyone deserves to experience this feeling.

6. Hop out of a plane.

   Okay, I know, random. But hear me out, hopping out of a plane--got to be liberating. Wanna do it with me? (I am so serious, I have never been more serious) I am afraid of heights though, but like come on, I need to do it once in my lifetime, so in 2025, this box will be checked.

7. Amplify the online presence of my blog.

   I aim to promote this platform more this year. Whether that is gaining a bigger audience, earning commission, handing out more business cards, you name it, I will be doing it. My friend once told me, "Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard." This is the mindset I will be carrying with me.

8. Strengthen my participation in church/community matters.

   Let me scream at the top of a mountain my love for God. What better way than to be a light for my community, lend a helping hand to those in need, and be an anchor for God's love? I want to be more active and express my love and appreciation for my faith. Maybe participate in soup kitchens, public speaking, volunteer work, etc. (ideas are always welcomed).

9. Enrich my verbiage by immersing myself in books.

   As shocking as this may be, I am not a big reader. I love to create and write, but my attention span is far too short to sit and crack a book open. However, I love the idea of reading, so I am forcing myself to become an active reader. By doing so, my diction will expand and better writing will come out of it. Win-win.

10. Release the need for external approval in transient matters.

    Meaning no worldly aspects can compare to Jesus' love. I need to no longer seek validation from things that will not matter when I am at the feet of Jesus.

I have 10 goals and 10 bucket list items. Setting too many goals can result in burnout and possibly failure, but if I practice certain habits each day that work toward at least one of these goals, I will consider it a win. There is always room for growth, welcome it. Open your heart to new possibilities, new relationships, and new experiences. You deserve that. Do not dwell on your past or your trauma--none of it defines who you are as a person. You are just as worthy of everything good in 2025 as the next person.

My motto for the year: Life is not that serious. Do what you want, and do it out of love. No one cares (and that holds so much power and potential); show the world your beautiful light. I am eager to know your goals and aspirations for 2025, so let's have a conversation about it. I would love to see your list. I am rooting for you to have the best year yet; you are so capable of all that you dream of.