Happy New Year!
No. 71 Let's high-five to 2025, shall we?
It’s such a joy to see my name spelled correctly on my Starbucks order. Of course it’s because the system is automated and the little sticker is printed with my name that I entered myself into the app when setting up the account, but nevertheless, it’s such a joy. I hope you have a small joy like that in your life.
Oh hello! Happy New Year!
We are already five days into 2025, the first regular workweek begins tomorrow, and after a handful of days off, I can barely remember my usual tasks. Kidding! But my oh my, having some time off felt quite good. And needed. When one has enough days off to fully upend usual routine and suddenly have no idea what day it is, and don’t fully recall the full list of work tasks in progress, then I consider that the sign of a successful ‘break.’
Fear not, dear readers, I’ve gone through the emails and am mostly ready for reality, but the sparkle of ‘Christmas break’ and that stretch of unusual routine remains close in my memory. Perhaps this is why people plan vacations? My planning skills live firmly in my work brain so if anyone would like to plan a trip for me - schedule it for next summer please - I would happily go wherever I’m told. Mostly. I do like to offer some input. ;)
The new year offers a new opportunity to do all of the usual things, but better. Or newer. Or with more vigor and excitement. Or just differently in some small way. Or maybe not. Maybe nothing changes at all. That is OK! Each of the five days of 2025 so far (including today) I have grappled with trying to do my usual stuff, but better, and sometimes it has gone well and sometimes I’ve thrown the plan out the window.
Even this morning, I had planned to get up extra early so that tomorrow’s very early wake-up time for work wouldn’t feel quite as harsh. Nope! I slept past my planned time, leisurely got up, we walked Pepper, we got coffee, and now I’m writing to you. Much later than planned! But my attitude needs to shift because the ‘order of operations’ on Sundays needs to be relaxed.
The work week is rigid with a schedule (and plenty of work) so I am trying to be kinder to myself and expectations with respect to a Plan for Sunday. It will all get done - my mantra for today and any time I feel overwhelmed. At least that’s what I’m aiming for. ;)
2025 is the year of the snake and that is interesting! The snake is not my favorite creature, all slithery and filled with suspense, but I will take this knowledge with me throughout the year:
“2025 offers opportunities for career growth and self-improvement, but Snakes must balance ambition with introspection to avoid overconfidence.” Tap here for the rest.
So they’re saying that this will be a busy work year, and being driven is great, but don’t be too flashy with one’s work success because acting overconfident isn’t appealing to anyone. Agreed! I take pride in doing my work well and being a team player, but it is imperative to be both a hard worker and a humble contributor. Sometimes easier said than done. Yes, we all love to shout our success from the rooftop, but it is not always necessary.
2025 will have a lot going on and yet the biggest successes will not require shouting ‘it me!’ for the world to hear. The things we should be shouting about should involve all of us, not just a chosen few. Team work!
On the other end of that, 2025 is here and it is the year I turn 40. I know. I gasped as well. I can barely discuss it let alone type it so we’ll just leave that until it gets much closer.
I remember seeing the movie ‘This is 40’ (Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann) way back in 2012 when I was 27(!) and laughing hysterically thinking how far away that age seemed and how my life was nothing like that movie. Well, 40 is now within earshot and it still looks nothing like that movie. Probably for the best, but I can’t help but feel weird about all of it. Moving on!
Remember that summer trip I requested? Yes, it would be for that birthday. My one goal from now to then is to consistently feel my best and stick to my workout routine. I will always feel better, mentally and physically, when a workout is part of my day.
Speaking of that, it’s about time I move along with my ‘get it done’ list before the feature of this evening - the Golden Globe Awards! There was so much great TV to watch this year so I am very interested in seeing who wins! Shrinking, Hacks, Only Murders in the Building, Nobody Wants This, The Bear, and Abbott Elementary are all favorites. Don’t make me choose just one - Shrinking and Hacks - stellar TV.
Cheers to 2025, may we see how this year unfolds with excitement, anticipation, and ambition, plus plenty of laughter and joy.
See you here next week when I’m finally(!) bringing back The Sunday Six.
One note: We went to XOXO Sushi Bar last night. Delicious, very small plates. Limited gluten free choices. Club-chic vibe, comfy bar seats, and excellent service. I was still hungry when we got home. Ha!
Thank you for reading, I appreciate you!
Mollie