Every year, the pressure to create life-changing New Year’s resolutions looms large. At first, I jotted down a modest list—something short enough to be a humble little Facebook status. You know, something breezy like, “Drink more water. Be less sarcastic. Pet more dogs.”
But then the wheels started turning.
And I realized, hey, maybe this is blog-worthy! Because when you start digging into what you really want for the year ahead, the list gets surprisingly honest — and maybe even a little relatable. So, without further ado, here are my 10 resolutions for becoming a slightly better, weirder, and hopefully wiser human being.
1. Move More (But Make It Fun)
Once upon a time, I decided to move my body for just 30 minutes a day. The result? I ran-walked my way to 40 fewer pounds in three months—and discovered a new appreciation for nature and stress relief. I’m not saying it’s always easy. Life gets busy, and the idea of squeezing in time for exercise can feel impossible. But 30 minutes a day is doable. Nature is basically begging you to come outside and breathe.
2. Hydration Nation
Drink more water. Less coffee. Okay, still a lot of coffee — but at least chase it with some H2O.
3. Write 3 Things I’m Grateful For (Every Single Day)
After going through a few rough health patches, I realized just how powerful optimism and gratitude really are. Studies back this up, too: writing down three things you’re thankful for each day can literally rewire your brain for happiness. So this year, I’m trying it out — and hoping the ripple effect is real.
4. Level Up at Work (Creatively, Not Just Professionally)
I work with kind, brilliant people. And I actually enjoy what I do. (I know — not everyone can say that.) So one of my goals is to keep growing creatively — trying new teaching methods, learning new tools, and keeping things fresh.
5. Do One Brave Thing Every Day
Courage isn’t just skydiving or shark wrestling. Sometimes, it’s introducing yourself to someone new. Or speaking your mind. Or showing up when you’d rather hide. Bravery doesn’t have to be bold; it just has to be real. I’m learning that small acts of courage stack up to big change over time.
6. Social Media = Frenemy
I’ve got a love/hate relationship with social media. (Who doesn’t?) As someone who works with words, graphics, and journalism, social media has been part of my professional DNA since its dawn. But I also know the scroll-hole is real, and it’s exhausting. So, this year, I’m aiming to unplug more. To be “outside” while everyone else is still “inside.” To reclaim a bit of introvert energy from the digital crowd. Will I be perfect? Nope. But I’ll try.
7. (Re)Learn Spanish Like a Boss
I took Spanish in high school and four semesters of Spanish in college… and forgot most of it. But thanks to Duolingo, the Spanish word-of-the-day, and other magical language apps, I’m brushing up and feeling more fluent every day. ¡Vamos!
8. Create More, Craft Often
Strip away everything about me and you’ll find this: I’m a creator. I write. I blog. I glue rhinestones to random objects. It doesn’t matter what I’m making — only that I’m making something. That’s the version of myself I like best: the maker. The creator. The girl with a glue gun and a dream.
9. Take More Road Trips — Big and Small
If I had unlimited funds, I’d be a full-time travel blogger by now. But even with a tighter budget, there’s something magical about hopping in the car and heading somewhere new — even if it’s just an hour away. I’m manifesting both little detours and big adventures this year.
10. Grow… and Accept
Here’s the messy truth: I’ll always be part confident, part insecure. Some days, I’m loud and fearless; others, I’m quiet and reflective. Sometimes I feel amazing for my age; sometimes I wish I could rewind the clock two decades.
I’m complex. You are too.
We’re not self-improvement projects to be completed in 365 days. We’re lifelong works in progress. And that’s okay.
So yes—let’s evolve. Let’s grow. But let’s also accept who we are, where we are, and extend a little kindness to ourselves along the way. That might be the most important resolution of all.
