2025 Resolutions and Last Year’s Review

Are New Year’s Resolutions still a thing? I don’t hear much of them anymore, but I love setting intentions for various areas of my life. Here’s what I did in 2024, and what I’m aiming for this year.

2024 Review:

Home: Find where I belong

For years, I’ve felt drawn to rural New England, so I rented a Vermont farmhouse to give Feebee some peace in her golden days. That first place was uninhabitable, and I’ve moved through several temporary rentals since. As I’ve explored, I’ve realized belonging is more about “with” than “where.”

Work: Make more art & make progress at my job

I aimed to create one art piece per quarter, but nomading made that tough. Still, I made a blog for my dog and one collage I love. Work-wise, “progress” was too vague, but I’ve adapted to a role switch and found my groove with coaching and guild work.

People: Be “unalone” at least once per month

As a covid-careful, remote-working single, this was tougher than it sounds—especially while traveling with a reactive dog. Social dancing saved me, and when I moved to Massachusetts, I stumbled into a fantastic partner while searching for new dance venues. Now I feel connected every day.

Mind: Learn more through books and podcasts

I read over two dozen books and listened to at least 183 informative podcast episodes. Most of that is random trivia and things I didn’t know before, but it’s been a fun way to stretch my brain some.

Body: Less pain, more moving!

I nailed this one with more hiking and dancing, but the pain persists. I’m grateful I can move and enjoy life, but I wish it didn’t hurt. Pro tip: don’t get hit by a car.

And last year, overall, I wanted to work on loving being myself, with my focus “directed outward towards life, on living and making decisions based on what brings you pleasure and fulfillment.” Funny how saying that out loud makes me realize I’ve somehow stopped thinking of it, and am doing better at living it instead. I’ll call that success.

2025 New Year’s Resolutions

Home: Get cozy

As a digital nomad, I’ve craved Hygge. I want to create comfort wherever I find myself, and continually remind myself that “home” is more than a set of walls with a roof.

Work: Increase influence

I’m motivated by impact, not money. To make the kind of impact I want, I’ll focus on building influence and visibility.

People: Communicate effectively and efficiently

You know that song, “Oh no, I’ve said too much; I haven’t said enough”? That’s me. This year, I want to listen more, speak less, and get better at saying what I mean in ways people actually understand.

Mind: Balance consumption

Last year, I consumed a ton of information but didn’t process much, or do much with it. Heather Orr once said something brilliant about balancing consumption, processing, and expression to avoid burnout. This year, I’ll focus on finding that balance.

Body: Upper Level Up

Last year was about fixing my knee, and I’ll keep at it. But this year, I’m shifting my focus: I want to be able to do a pull-up. The work to get there should have a positive effect on my overall health.

And for an overall focus? There’s a lot going on in this world that I can’t control, but I want to find and create peace, connection, and joy where I can. This goes back to the Hygge thing I mentioned earlier, and perhaps I’ll say more about that another day. For now, Happy New Year to all who celebrate.