Life is rarely predictable, and some years test our resilience more than others. Whether it’s navigating unexpected challenges like home renovations that leave you living in one-quarter of your house, financial strain, or rebuilding emotionally, each struggle offers an opportunity for growth. For me, 2024 was a year of change—and, at times, chaos. But amidst the turmoil, I found peace and strength through small, intentional habits like using essential oils, practicing yoga, and leaning on love.
As we bid farewell to this challenging year, it’s time to focus on how we can set the stage for a brighter, more intentional future. This blog shares ideas to close the chapter on this year thoughtfully and begin 2025 with clarity, purpose, and balance. Together, we can rebuild—our homes, our hearts, and our habits.
Closing a Difficult Year on a Good Note
The end of a hard year isn’t about erasing hardships; it’s about finding closure and peace with what you’ve been through. Here are some ways to leave 2024 behind with a sense of gratitude and accomplishment.
Declutter Your Physical and Emotional Spaces
Clutter isn’t just physical—it can overwhelm our emotional and mental health, too. One of the best ways to end a year is to declutter both your home and your mind. With our house under construction, I’ve had to be creative and strategic about what stays and what goes. Here’s what worked for us:
- Sort Through Belongings with Intention
Dedicate one hour a day to sorting through items. Decide what to keep, donate, or toss. Think about how your possessions align with your needs in the new year.
- Adopt the One-Year Rule
If you haven’t used an item in the past year, it’s a good candidate for letting go. This simple rule saves time and helps streamline decision-making.
- Journaling for Emotional Clarity
Write down the highlights, lessons, and challenges of the year. Expressing your thoughts on paper allows you to process emotions and leave unnecessary emotional baggage behind.
Decluttering clears space for new energy and opportunities, both physically in your environment and emotionally within yourself.
Starting 2025 Fresh
A new year is more than just a date—it’s a symbolic chance to reset and rebuild. For us, home renovations represent a tangible fresh start. While the process has been messy, it reflects the beauty and challenges of starting over. Here are a few ways I’m making 2025 feel like a clean slate.
Home Renovations as a Metaphor
Living in a home that’s under construction while working, running a business has been one of the greatest tests of patience. But every crack of drywall and coat of paint reminds me that progress sometimes looks messy before it becomes beautiful. I’ve learned to celebrate small wins: a finished corner in the living room, reorganized kitchen cabinets, or a new routine that keeps things running smoothly in a partially finished space.
Financial Planning for Security and Peace
We’ve also used this time of transition to focus on financial adjustments for a better future. Here’s what’s been helpful:
- Budgeting with Realistic Goals
Start with tracking every expense. From groceries to subscriptions, knowing where your money goes is the first step to developing a realistic budget. Using actually cash instead of cards can also help you be more aware of your spending habits. Once you have a clear understanding of your expenses, set achievable goals for saving and spending based on your income.
- Investing in Insurance and Savings
Life is unpredictable, so it’s important to plan for the unexpected. Consider investing in insurance that will protect you and your loved ones in case of emergencies or accidents. Additionally, having a savings account specifically designated for emergencies can provide peace of mind and financial security.
- Paying off Debt Strategically
Starting fresh also means clearing old debts to pave way for new opportunities. Prioritize paying off high-interest debt first while making minimum payments on lower
- Saving for Priorities
Allocate funds to the things that matter most, whether it’s completing renovations or planning for longer-term dreams. Automate savings to make it easy and consistent.
These financial shifts, while small, have started to feel empowering. Baby steps can result in big changes.
Choose Your Word to Shape 2025
Instead of setting traditional New Year’s resolutions that can feel overwhelming, I’ve embraced a simpler practice—choosing one word to guide my year. This year, my word is “REBUILD.”
Why “REBUILD”?
After facing both physical and emotional challenges, rebuilding feels like the perfect mantra. It reminds me to focus on reconstruction—not only of our home, but also of my physical health, emotional well-being, and relationships.
Reflect on your own challenges and aspirations—what word sums up your focus for the new year? Whether it’s “growth,” “balance,” or “confidence,” writing it down and keeping it visible (on a vision board or sticky note) sets a powerful intention.
Essential Oils, Yoga, and Love in Rebuilding
While rebuilding is no easy feat, small daily habits keep me grounded. Essential oils, yoga, and love are my go-to tools, and they might just help you, too!
The Benefits of Essential Oils
Aromatherapy isn’t just about pleasant scents; it offers tangible mental and physical benefits. For example:
- Lavender Oil for reducing stress and promoting better sleep.
- Peppermint Oil for energy and mental clarity during busy days.
- Frankincense for fostering a peaceful mind during meditation or yoga sessions.
You can diffuse these oils, mix them with a carrier oil for massages, or even dab a drop on your wrists for a quick refresh.
Yoga for Mind and Body
Yoga keeps me grounded—literally. Even 15 minutes of practice can lower stress levels, improve flexibility, and help set intentions for the day. If you’re tight on time, focus on just three poses:
- Child’s Pose for relaxation and emotional release.
- Downward Dog for full-body strength and circulation.
- Warrior II to feel empowered and grounded.
Love—For Yourself and Others
Lastly, never underestimate the power of love. Lean into your relationships with others, but don’t forget about self-love. Celebrate your growth, reward your milestones, and be gentle with yourself when things don’t go as planned.
Step Into 2025 with Confidence
The past year may have been tough, but challenges lay the foundation for growth. By closing 2024 with mindful practices like decluttering and intentional reflection, and beginning 2025 with clear goals and a solid support system, you can step into the new year stronger than before.
If you haven’t already, take time to reflect on your word for 2025 and use it to guide your priorities. Remember, progress is about small, meaningful steps.
Have your own strategies for making the new year meaningful? Share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
Starting fresh in 2025 is all about taking the lessons and experiences from the past year and using them to create a better future for yourself. By decluttering your physical and mental space, setting meaningful goals, and prioritizing self-care, you can build a strong foundation for growth and success. Remember to be kind to yourself throughout this process and to celebrate every step forward. And most importantly, have faith in yourself and your ability to make positive changes in your life. Here's to a happy and fulfilling new year! Cheers!
Sincerely,
Shannon
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