What’s In and What’s Out for me in 2025
The start of a new year always gets me thinking: What rhythms from the past year brought peace and joy, and what things just added noise? As I look toward 2025, I’m reflecting on the small changes that can make a big difference in how I live out my days—and maybe these shifts will resonate with you too.
In with Music, Out with Podcasts
I’ve loved podcasts for years. They’ve taught me so much and kept me company during errands and chores. But lately, I’ve realized how much I miss the simple joy of music. Worship songs that turn my thoughts toward God, or even instrumental music that lets my mind rest—these feel like what my soul needs right now. This year, I want to make space for the kind of music that brings me joy and helps me slow down.
In with Deep Work, Out with Constant Multitasking
I’ve caught myself so many times trying to do five things at once—and ending the day feeling like I didn’t truly accomplish any of them. Multitasking seems efficient, but it can leave me scattered and stressed. Just because I CAN, doesn’t mean I SHOULD.
This year, I want to focus on deep work: setting aside time to concentrate on one thing at a time. Whether it’s writing, reading, or even folding laundry, I want to be present and give my full attention to what’s in front of me.
In with Freezer Meals, Out with Rigid Meal Planning
If you have been around here any length of time you know, I love a good freezer meal.Meal planning is a great tool, but I’ve learned that sticking to a rigid plan doesn’t always work for me (or my family). I used to plan a meal for every day of the week, assigning a particular recipe to a certain day of the week. That isn’t working for me as much anymore. I want to create a more flexible meal plan, making a list of meals that I wanna make for the week without assigning them to a particular day.
This is where freezer meals will come in handy! Knowing I have something homemade and ready to go takes so much pressure off, especially on the busiest days. This year, I’m giving myself permission to lean into flexibility. A stash of freezer meals feels like grace for the season I’m in.
In with Homemade Gifts, Out with Shopping Apps
There’s something so special about a gift that’s been made by hand. I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit scrolling shopping apps for the “perfect” gift, but this year, I want to take a different approach. For several weeks in September and October I removed all shopping apps from my phone and it was glorious. I didn’t feel like was constantly looking for new items to purchase. and by having to go to my computer to make an order online, I really narrowed down my shopping list to what I simply needed instead of what I felt pressured to buy. I have the apps back on my phone now, but I think I have more clarity on how I want to use them. I will probably also delete them again from time to time! As I look ahead to the girls spring birthdays I have some homemade gifts in mind. Play items made by hand, sewn doll accessories —these kinds of gifts feel more meaningful to me. They remind me to slow down and put my heart into the act of giving gifts.
A Year of Intention
As I step into 2025, I want to embrace rhythms that help me slow down and live more intentionally. I don’t want to rush through my days or fill them with unnecessary noise. Instead, I want to make space for what matters most: faith, family, and the little moments that make life sweet. Here’s to a year of reflection, grace, and finding beauty in the simple things.
