Hey, long time no see.
It’s been a while since I wrote something here, but there is nothing like big endings to demand new beginnings.
I honestly love it. We are given this arbitrary chance of a random day to reflect on the past and charge forward toward our future. I do it every beginning of a month, and I also send all my hopes every new moon. But the new year has a larger weight, doesn’t it? It encompasses too much.
The idea of “end of year goals” can be overwhelming, so I did these this year to help me reflect and dream (and also so it wouldn’t get lost in my journal as just another list)
It asks:
7 things I’m thankful for 2024
7 things I would like to do/be more
7 people you would like to connect with more
Bucket list
These questions guided me to simpler answers and closer to what is most meaningful to me. How can I be a bit better in different parts of my life? How can I be more present with loved ones? And what are the experiences I want to help to create?
One thing I want for next year is to be more present here on Substack. I’m longing for connection and sharing new beautiful things.
I hope you are well and that today is a happy and hopeful day for you.
From my heart to yours,
♡ – ♥
Mariana
Some last bits:
I loved this post from Kelcey Ervick about how to Forget resolutions and words of the year and choosing a New Year’s imperative instead.
I’ve been thinking about this video a lot. It frames goals and setbacks in a story format and it just helped me reframe a lot of ideas.
If you want, here is the sheet I made adapted for letter size.
What is something 2025 is calling you for?
I really like the “7 people I’d like to connect with more” idea! Starting a list today!