January seems to arrive with the subtlety of a freight train, faster than I feel it used to. Everywhere I turn, ads are screaming, "New Year, New YOU!" as if we magically woke up on January 1st as productivity superheroes, ready to smash goals left and right. But let’s be real—it’s more like, "Where are those leftover Christmas cookies?" Am I right? Haha.
This year, though, I’m choosing a softer approach. No sprinting into 2025 for me. I’m easing in, cozy slippers on, my kitty cats sprawled across my lap, and a warm cup of coffee in hand. No grand resolutions, no rigid plans (other than continuing to pour my heart into Shifting Thru Chaos). Just small, intentional steps and plenty of space to figure things out along the way.
Reflecting before resetting
Last week, we took some time to reflect on 2024, but let’s do a quick recap because reflection is the first step to resetting!
When I sat down to look back at 2024, my brain—true to form—immediately latched onto the things I didn’t accomplish. (Thanks, brain.) For a moment, I felt a little bummed. But then I did something different: I started listing everything I did accomplish. And guess what? I realized I’d done quite a bit last year!
From personal growth to tackling unexpected challenges, I discovered what worked and what didn’t. I thought about what brought me joy and decided those things are coming with me into 2025. As for the things that drained me? They’re staying behind in 2024. I’m done carrying what doesn’t serve me.
This year, I’m determined not to let my overactive brain take the wheel. Instead, I’m focusing on being present and going with the flow.
Less pressure, more presence.
Small steps, big impact
One of the biggest lessons I learned in 2024 is that small changes often have the biggest impact.
Take starting this blog as an example. In early 2024, I was trying to get everything done in days. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work. Nothing felt right or sustainable. But when it came to Shifting Thru Chaos, something clicked. This time, I gave myself grace—a lot of it. I allowed myself to learn as I went and embraced imperfection.
And guess what? It worked. Not perfectly (because, again, perfection is overrated), but I’m so proud of what I’ve built here. While I’m no expert, I feel like I’m growing into my space, and there’s always more to learn.
If you want to start small, here are a few ideas to try:
- Add a 5-minute mindfulness practice to your day, wherever it fits best.
- Drink one extra glass of water each day.
- Pause and take a breather when life feels overwhelming.
These shifts might seem tiny, but trust me, they add up. They’re sustainable and give you a starting point without feeling like you’re trying to climb Everest in one day.
embracing imperfection
If there’s one thing I’m leaving in 2024, it’s the idea of perfection. We should always strive to be our best selves, but let’s face it: perfection is overrated and unrealistic.
Life is messy, chaotic, and unpredictable. And you know what? That’s okay. Chaos brings unexpected joys—moments of connection, creativity, and growth that you’d never experience if everything went according to plan and was perfect..
This year, I’m leaning into the mess. I’m finding the beauty in imperfection and appreciating the little moments that make life worth it: my cats’ purrs, laughter with friends, a quiet morning with coffee in hand. These are the things that ground me, and I want to hold onto them tightly.
What are some of those messy but magical moments you’ve noticed recently? Take a second to reflect—they’re worth celebrating!
starting the year your way
Feeling the pressure to hit the ground running? Let’s flip that narrative. Pause, take a deep breath, and reflect on what you actually want from 2025—not what society is yelling at you to achieve.
Take those small, intentional steps that feel manageable and meaningful. Let go of the rest. Progress isn’t about how fast you can go; it’s about moving forward, even if it’s just one step at a time.
And hey, I’d love to hear from you: How are you approaching the start of 2025? Let’s chat! Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on Instagram. Tag me @shiftingthruchaos or DM me your reset strategies. Let’s support each other on this beautifully imperfect journey!
Add comment
Comments