Happy New Year everyone and welcome to our first entry in The Diary! We have made it to another year, and I honestly cannot believe it. This year began a little bit differently than the past several years. I spent NYE at home with my family and enjoyed a quiet and peaceful start to 2025 (and was in bed before 1:30 am). Unfortunately, at about 9 pm on NYE, my poor nephew began puking… everywhere and unfortunately on my mother. That wrapped up the party- no one wants the stomach flu. I spent the rest of the evening lounging in bed and watching the ball drop with my boyfriend, Kurt, and my dog, Buttercup. Honestly- an ideal NYE for this year.

A Brief Reflection of 2024

This past week I have spent my days reflecting on the past year and how much I have changed and grown as a person. 2024 was a huge year for me and others in my life. Kurt graduated with his Masters of Occupational Therapy, my nephew turned one, I completed the most rigorous semester of my degree (and passed (with a 3.0!!!)), I dedicated myself to getting to the root of my chronic illness, and so much more.

This year was amazing, but it was also extremely challenging. Not only was I going through the most rigorous semester of my program, I was also learning to deal with new health issues and trying to balance my health, school, social life, hobbies, and work. News flash: it wasn’t well balanced. It was rough, I had to make many sacrifices but I have learned so much. I feel like I am a much stronger person, I feel more confident in myself and my abilities, and all the more motivated to keep working hard in school.

I am beyond grateful for everything I have learned in 2024, but it is time to move on. In 2025, I want to learn from the mistakes I made last year and really improve myself.

2025 is the Year of Me

I know that may sound self centered- but I promise it’s not! I have been a people pleaser my entire life. It is nearly impossible for me to make a decision without worrying that I will upset or displease someone in my life. Not only am I a people pleaser, I have also developed some pretty severe social anxiety and am always worried about how I am being perceived by others. I get so nervous when speaking to strangers that I just- freeze. I can’t speak, can’t change my face, I just stand there wide eyed and mouth agape. It is so embarrassing. In the last several months, my depression has decided to make its reappearance and has had a dramatic impact on my self esteem, the amount of time I spend dedicating to myself, and my overall motivation and gusto for life.

So, I am making this year about me. I need to prioritize myself. I’m talking self care, dates by myself, going to therapy (!!!), setting healthy boundaries with myself and others, dedicating time to my hobbies, and focusing on my future. I think far too many people put their wants and needs in last place and end up resentful and regretful later in life. I don’t want to have regrets in five years because of some stupid decision I made on account of others or out of fear. Getting out of this funk won’t be easy, and I honestly don’t even feel like doing it- but it is necessary for me to live a full and happy life.

Holding Myself Accountable

I don’t want to fall into old habits, so I would like to write out some very simple and attainable goals that I can reference. You may want to add some of these goals to your own 2025 goals.

• Exercise!!! I need to get this body moving so I can live a long and happy life.
• Change my diet. I need to develop and implement a diet that supports my health and lifestyle.
• Save money. Self explanatory but I’m still pretty bad at it.
• Get into a routine. I have a very rough outline of a routine, but I need a simple and reliable every day routine.
• Get out of the house. I spend the majority of my time at home, either from being sick, having school work, or just being too anxious to leave the house. This year I am making it my goal to get out and about! Go and have some fun!
• Be more outgoing. As I said, I tend to freeze up in social situations and I really want to shake that off. Time to push myself into uncomfortable situations and learn to be okay with it!

Some of those goals may sound a little lackluster to you, but those are the changes I want to make this year. If I’m being honest- not sure if a blog will get me out of the house much… but hoping it at least gets me out of my comfort zone.

Cheers to the start of another amazing year. Let us enter this year with love, gratitude, and kindness in our hearts. Find the love in everything this year. Love deeply and love out loud. The days are long, but the years are short. Enjoy every second you get.

See you again soon!