I think I’ve settled on an over-arching theme I’d like to personally have for 2025 and that theme is to enjoy life.

I realized that my determination to simplify some things so far this year and clean out unused clutter also aligns with this. When things are easy to get to, it makes it so it’s not a chore, which in turn leads to more enjoyment.

I basically want maximum enjoyment at this point.

I am burning all those unused candles–not saving them for a “special” occasion. Now is that special occasion.

I’m wearing all the jewelry that I’ve had for years … no, decades … that has previously remained hidden away in a dark jewelry box. Now is the time to take it all out and enjoy it.

I’ve gone through all my art supplies and am going to organize my “art corner” in my office so that when the mood strikes me – or at least on a more regular basis than the past few years – it will be easy to sit down and create. There’s never been a better time to create art than right now.

All the kitchen tools and small appliances that I’ve had for years and rarely use. I’m using them. I’m ricing more potatoes. I’m making homemade pasta. I’m going to artfully slice various vegetables. No holding back.

All the more eccentric articles of clothing I have, I’m wearing. I’m embracing my inner Iris Apfel.

Things that have sat in closets or storage bins for years are being gone through and I’ve been unearthing things that, for whatever reason, I sat once bought and then set aside. I found, in a storage bin, the very first stuffed animal I ever had when I was a baby. It was a rabbit. A very well-loved rabbit. I set him out, to remind me how much joy he once brought me. To capture just a little bit of that joy in my every day life.

And it extends beyond “things”. There is wonder and magic and joy to be found all around. I’m surrounded by the natural world–all the creatures that visit my property, all of the plants, the changing of the seasons and the weather. The earth below my feet and the sky above my head are nothing short of wondrous.

I’m learning new things. I’m reading about more interesting topics. Now is the time.

As I move through this year, I intend to carry this theme with me–to honor the magic of every day life and simple joys with gratitude, so that this is my new normal from here on out.