A new year always feels like opening a crisp notebook, full of possibilities. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and dream about what’s ahead. For me, stepping into 2025 feels especially meaningful after the time I took to recharge in December.
I’ll admit, my break wasn’t all smooth sailing – I spent much of it on sick leave. But even that downtime turned out to be a gift. It gave me the chance to slow down and focus inward, journaling my thoughts and reflecting on what matters most. Christmas was spent with my husband’s family – a bittersweet reminder of being far from my biological family, yet still so heartwarming. Sharing the holidays with them made me grateful for the bonds we’ve built over the years.
New Year’s Eve was a quiet night at home, just the way I like it. My husband surprised me with a PlayStation 5, and we spent hours exploring games together as a family. It was such a fun and unexpected way to close out one chapter and welcome the next.
And now here we are in 2025. A blank slate. A fresh canvas. A chance to not only dream big but to approach life with a bit more realism and intention.
Resolutions: A Global Tradition
The idea of New Year’s resolutions has always fascinated me. It’s one of those rare traditions that connects us across cultures while reflecting our unique perspectives. At its core, a resolution is simply a promise to ourselves to grow, improve, or try something new.
This practice dates back thousands of years. The Babylonians are thought to have started it, by making promises to their gods at the start of the agricultural year. The Romans followed suit, honouring Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings and transitions, by reflecting on the past and planning for the future.
Today, resolutions look different around the world:
• In Japan, the tradition of Kakizome involves writing motivational phrases in calligraphy to set the tone for the year.
• In China, resolutions align with the Lunar New Year, focusing on family, prosperity, and a fresh start symbolised by clean homes and festive meals.
• Indigenous cultures often tie their resolutions to the cycles of nature, emphasising gratitude and collective well-being over individual goals.
Isn’t it beautiful how the same instinct to reset and dream unites us, even as we express it in such diverse ways?
My Relationship with Resolutions
For me, resolutions are more than a yearly ritual – they’re a way of life. I’ve kept a journal for years, and it’s become my personal sanctuary. It’s where I pour out my thoughts, jot down my goals, and reflect on my progress.
That said, I’m not perfect at sticking to my commitments. Far from it. I often fall short of what I set out to do, but those stumbles have taught me some of my greatest lessons. They’ve helped me refine my approach and set goals that feel more realistic and meaningful.
Writing things down makes all the difference. When I put pen to paper, my goals transform from fleeting ideas into something tangible. They remind me why I started and give me something to revisit when I need clarity or motivation.
One of my favourite quotes captures this beautifully: “Goals that are not written are just wishes.”
Journaling as a Tool for Growth
If you’ve never tried journaling as part of your resolution process, I can’t recommend it enough. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming – just honest.
Some things that work for me:
• Be specific. Instead of “Get healthier,” I’ll write something actionable like “Go for a 20-minute walk every morning.”
• Set timelines. Adding deadlines keeps me accountable.
• Reflect regularly. I spend a few minutes each week reviewing what’s working and where I need to adjust.
• Celebrate small wins. Every step forward counts.
Journaling doesn’t just help me track my progress – it helps me grow. Even when I fall short, the process of reflection shows me what’s possible and how I can improve.
Looking Ahead
This year feels special. In my last post, I shared my excitement about adding a new element to this blog – featuring inspiring stories from others at the end of each month. It’s my way of expanding this space beyond my own experiences and creating a community where we can learn and grow together.
I’m thrilled to share that the very first story in this series is one I believe will inspire so many of you. It’s a journey filled with resilience, transformation, and lessons that we can all relate to in some way. Without giving too much away, it’s about embracing change and finding strength in unexpected places. I can’t wait for you to meet her and hear her story later this month. Trust me, it’s one you won’t want to miss!
I want 2025 to be a year of connection, shared inspiration, and progress – not just for myself, but for all of us.
What about you? Do you have resolutions this year? Traditions that inspire you? Or even stories about what’s worked (or not worked) for you in the past? I’d love to hear about them in the comments.
Here’s to fresh starts, big dreams, and the beauty of every step forward. Let’s make this year unforgettable – together.
Cheers to 2025! 🎉